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A INDIANA COAG

BOARD OF AGRINULIORE

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FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

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INDIANA STATE

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE:

FOR THE YEAR 1852.

INDIANAPOLIS:
J.P. CHAPMAN, STATE PRINTER.

1852,

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NAMES OF THE MEMBERS

OF THE

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

PRESIDENT.

GOV. JOSEPH A. WRIGHT, - - - Indianapolis, Ind.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT,

GEORGE HUSSEY, - - - - - Vigo county.

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT.

SAMUEL EMISON, - - - - - Knox county.
TREASURER.
ROYAL MAYHEW, - - - - - Indianapolis, Ind.
SECRETARY.
JOHN B. DILLON, - - - - - Indianapolis, Ind.
MEMBERS.
JEREMIAH McBripz, - - - - - Martin county.
Grorce W. Brown, - - - - - - Shelby county.
Jacos R. Harris, - - - - - Switzerland co.
Joun McManan, - ~ - - - - Washington co.
Grorce K. STExte, - - - > - Parke county.
JosEra Orr, - - - - - - - Laporte county.
A. Sewarp, - - - - - - Monroe county.
GrorcE G. Dunn, - . - ~ - - Lawrence co.
Davip P. Hottoway, - - - - - | Wayne county.
Aex. C. STEvENson, - - - - - Putnam county.
Tuos. W. Swinney, > ~ - > - Allen county.
Roxanp WILLARD, = - - ~ - - Kosciusko co.

Joun B. Keuy, - - - - : - Warrick county.

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FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.

INDIANAPOLIS, Fesruary, 1852.

To the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:

In obedience to the requisitions of the law creating the
State Board of Agriculture, the undersigned respectfully pre-
sents the first annual report of that Board.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH A. WRIGHT,
President of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT.

The State Board of Agriculture, was organized on the 27th
of May last. The proceedings and expenses of the May and
January sessions are herewith attached.

The wisdom of the law of the last session, is made most
manifest in the number of county societies that have organ-
ized under that law. More than thirty counties have adopted
an organization, and twenty interesting reports are herewith
submitted. Your special attention is called to the very full
and highly interesting reports from the counties of Monroe,
Elkhart, Tippecanoe, Wayne, &c.

It is very remarkable that a pursuit in which more than
four-fifths of our population are engaged, should have remain-
ed so long without that spirit of emulation which the meetings

of county and State Fairs are so well calculated to bring
about.

Agriculture as an art has been practised from the remotest
period; but the developments of this day and age are show-
ing the application of science to every pursuit in which man
labors.

The public mind seems now to have waked up to the reali-
zation of something practical; and each man asks for himself
the best system, the best mode, the best manner of reaping the
reward for the labor bestowed upon the earth, or in the
making of those articles that are found necessary for his com-
fort and condition in life.

In receiving an answer to these questions, men are now
willing to exchange views and opinions with their neighbors.
They are willing, yeaj anxious to examine and look for them-
selves, upon the labor, machinery, and productions of the
earth, to have the full history of all that is around them.

The annual products of the labor expended upon the soil,
added to the productions of mechanical and other useful kinds
of labor, constitute the real wealth of a State.

There is no State in our widely extended Union so well
situated as is Indiana, for an advantageous application of ag-
ricultural labor and skill. The general fertility of the soil,
the varied but temperate climate, are highly favorable to an
abundant production of those staples, which are essential to
supply the constantly increasing demand of the home market,
and for which there is generally a very large foreign demand
at fair prices.

It may be justly said, that a large increase of the amount
of the aggregate wealth of a State will certainly follow the
formation and organization of State and county agricultural
associations.

The adoption of any system, that will make labor more
attractive, that shall enlist the heart and energy of the people
in the full development of the resources, will add to the ag-
gregate wealth of any community. Yet, such an increase

of wealth is not, by any means, to be regarded as the most
important and beneficial results growing out of such associa-
tions.

One of the great practical results that is to follow from a
regular system of county and State associations, will be that
of causing our people to change and diversify more their
labor and pursuits.

This diversity will not be confined alone to the mere
change of labor from agriculture to mechanics, but various
changes in the various kinds of agricultural pursuits.

Our true policy as a State is to be, as far as practicable,
independent; to look more at home and less abroad for the ele-
ments of prosperity. We should establish and sustain that
policy, that will develope all our resources, and thereby
advance the true interests of the State. This is a work that
calls loudly for the exercise of all the influence of our public
men, as well as our private citizens. And I would enumer-
ate among the most important movements in this work, that
system of Legislation that will build up State interest, State
pride, and if you please, State ambition. We may rest
assured that true, substantial wealth, will be found in the
labor around us, of the husbandman, mechanic, and manu-
facturer.

Through the operations of a thorough system of organiza-
tions over the State, the Board will be able to collect, not
only general, but particular and reliable information con-
cerning the different soils of the State, the kind of agricultural
labor that pays best, what articles are best adapted to such a
soil and climate, the stock most in demand in the market, the
various productions of each county in the State, different
modes of farming by the best practical farmers, experiments
on different soils, with various crops, redeeming wet and
swamp lands, the mode and system adopted, stock raising,
ditching, barns, stables, smoke houses, wells, springs, spring
houses, modes of supplying stock water, &c. &c.

In view of the great quantity of wet and swamp lands in

the State, and the different modes adapted to redeem them,
the Board have determined to offer a premium, at the antici-
pated State fair, for the best essay on this subject. In this
way we expect to be able to’ present in the next annual re-
port, some valuable suggestions on the subject of draining
and ditching the large quantity of wet lands in this State.

In offering this premium, and others, such as that for the
best model of a country residence, out-houses, barns, &c.,
the best essay on rendering available and profitable our hilly
and broken lands, in all these, the Board seek to accomplish
what is always desirable, the saving of time and toil, by
means of the most judicious, skillful and approved application
of labor to any given pursuit.

There is believed to be just cause of complaint in many
parts of the State, from the running at large of male stock of
various kinds. The wanton and malicious destruction of
trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, &c., has been brought to the at-
tention of the Board. In connection with these subjects, the
Board is impressed with the importance of providing by law,
some sure remedy for the destruction of sheep by dogs.
This useful and profitable animal, in many parts of the State
has been entirely destroyed in this way. On all these sub-
jects, it is believed by your Board, that efficient and stringent
laws are called for by the best interests of society.

It is suggested that the general use of stone coal, demands
the providing by law, of some fixed and certain weight for
the legal bushel of coal.

There are other articles that should receive a definite and
precise weight by law. I herewith attach the weight per
bushel to the following articles, as recognized and established
in some of the States. They are worthy of your considera-
tion:

CE WGAE code cess avec cteswiccecwccs soviet Pevumsee se conlslesiivesiele cenit ses OU DOMME
OF Shepled Cara ie «dei sss Fine BEEN iN. oc Shleldcetloece sidee wince vvuslnnss COMORES:
OF Corp WEBS CED acne ccjcons cae chacngsncsenpendscvepccec cere cesins te DURMGs,
OP Rye) vedecncccccsccetace cede bcovisaccvccededelciws Noe Hees ose ucsteepteaDOlMeene
OOO LATTA GALE REPRE wo deicks Seca dell cpablals od dlehislsiee» gnebicesie aqchy POUREM,

OT Dawley. osc cccsivveecccescse cate vse dessassedicveiveesitcae ene sesticicssAr DOMME:

OF Potatoes Sec dis ccecscs ces veveccevledvecccelcces suecsuuhe deet.aves 53.060 DOUNGE,

DTABPA GA « aiimiesc ose =\olemn/winsin)atnin.e © cle oyn0jnja)<isniclne we lapimlenaines dagacs <> AGO DONUTS.
OT QAO YOUBEGE old an cicpecisccugiccs sade videcaesls wissic cacsjesmsipieuals esisjsisee.e GU POUT.
MOP la sGOWee oo deek's sd cc codecs e cudwee vip ss clint eepabeieubeasom ea fedG POUnES
OF Hempseed «.coccog cccc cece cccsccennencccec este ctdecvedacessescieee 44 POUNdS,
WE BUCK WRCAG cic ccc vieceaucscensisssn fleseccesicous ccesecacaiscesione aie DOUNAB.
GP Bide Grass seed oo. i cl) wise ks Chl. cde aiocine. duce Mebscteeasiecdee 14 pounds,
OF Castor Beans sc case = <.asia,siccninioen «a0 \n\e:snis)> eels duinvsat.s dan Greens to POUNGS.
ME DVIEM PRAEHES: Saictep ois ce ate claysle'oan)alselelc aniale asicieicaia’bicein\e'ss|e' ec ae eles ¢.33 pounds.
OP DricMAPpPles ee iik., siewsic cecieics so delciccte > -sUbuou seems «she. - eek ¥eeSeoIDOURGS,
OS ONIONS o reldets ln one v 6dn 01 ce clues civeieis som tipcie so ssn vse sea «90> cee cat) POUMEA,
WOE Bath cicacleccalecsiaicienscccccesa doveccms ceedecccwaee senslevecctse tc tolg VAUD OUIEN,
OF Mineral CO sc. -jscsic eda cicse ocealessieieces vcaineslenle capiandetvinainide. +170) DOUMAR,

It is to be regretted that, so far, no means have been de-
vised for obtaining full statistical information of each county.
We should obtain by our own officers, accurate annual sta-
tistical details of the great agricultural, mechanical, and
manufactuaing industrial products of the State. Without
this information, no representative is prepared to discharge
his duties faithfully to those he represents.

We believe, under a perfect organization of county agri-
cultural societies, such as is contemplated by the State
Board, we shall be able to furnish a considerable amount of
information, touching the industrial products of the State.

In this report, the first under the sanction of the State,
some considerable information is furnished on this subject.

It would be an interesting table to lay before the Legisla-
ture, and through them to the people, the entire surplus of
Indiana the past year. The estimates in some of the coun-
ties are very large; in the county of Laporte amounting to
four hundred thousand dollars, and yet we doubt not the sur-
plus of other counties exceeds this amount.

The surplus of the State has been estimated by many the
past year, at from twenty to twenty-five millions.

By the census of 1850, we are able to arrive at the fact,
that nearly eight-tenths of what we purchase out of the
State, is the labor and production of our sister States; and
we may safely assert that more than one-half of this amount
is the product of the labor and skill of other States not as
favorably situated for mechanical and manufacturing labor

as our own. In those essential combinations for successful
mechanical and manufacturing labor, such as iron, coal, soil,
water-power, marble, stone quarries, timber, &c., Indiana
has no equal in the Union; yet the iron, coal, and minerals
of our State, are taken abroad and successfully used to profit,
by the labor of others.

We seem to be anxious to exhaust our forests of walnut
and cherry, that the mechanics of other States, may reap
the reward thereon.

The bringing together the mechanics of our own and other
States, in the county and State fairs among us, with the best
specimens of their skill and labor, is well calculated to foster
and encourage the mechanical labor of the country.

The great advantages that result from the assembling of
farmers, mechanics, and manufacturers, in associations, in
which the productions of their skill and labor are exhibited,
consists in a free interchange of views and opinions; you
thereby stimulate industry, bring together the most distin-
guished mechanics of the State, with, not only the work of
their brain and hands, but they come together to inquire into
the wants of the country, that they may return to their
workshops to perfect the inventions that have been suggested
by these means. The manufacturer exhibits the result of his
inventions and labor; the farmer the mode, process, and im-
provements of the farm; the trials, tests, and experiments
that are thus exhibited, will create a spirit of rivalry, well
calculated to develope the resources of the country—well
adapted to show the real wants of the people, and the pros-
pects and means of supplying those wants. In this way
every branch of industry is made better acquainted with the
mutual wants and dependency of each; and in this laudable
spirit of emulation, the country marches forward in real and
substantial improvement in the true road to wealth.

A very considerable sum of money is paid abroad by our
people, for stock, implements and productions of other S tates,

the most of which will be saved in a few years by these
associations.

You have in this the first report under the law of last ses-
sion, the best evidence that can be offered of the wisdom of
these associations. .

You appropriated one thousand dollars to the use of the
Board at the last session; only five hundred dollars of that
sum has been expended. There have been two sessions of
the Board during the past year. Hereafter there will be but
one annually, so that the expenses of the State Board will
not exceed the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars per year.
We respectfully ask your honorable body to appropriate the
sum of two thousand dollars for the use of the Board this
year. It is contemplated by the Board to hold a State Fair
at some point in the State, the ensuing fall, and to pay out
the sum of at least twenty-five hundred dollars in premiums.
The State would lose nothing if no part of this expenditure
was refunded. The great stimulus given to the various
branches of industry, the increase of property thereby sub-
ject to taxation, will more than four-fold repay the State.
Yet your Board has no hesitation in saying, that by the
proceeds of the contemplated State Fair, we shall be able to
refund into the State Treasury, every cent advanced, with a
surplus to commence operations for the ensuing year.

The Board herewith append their circular issued at the
first meeting, together with the entire proceedings of the two
sessions.

We respectfully. ask, that not less than three thousand
copies of this report be published. We desire to furnish a
certain number of these reports to each of the county socie-
ties in the State, that they may be used as premiums at the
county fairs.

We shall exchange several hundred copies with our sister
States, that we may have their reports in exchange therefor,
which we design to give out as premiums at our State fair.
In this way we hope to be able to communicate the know-

ledge and information of our sister States, in the various
branches of industry, to every county, and as near as possible
to each citizen of our State.

There are so few returns, in detail from county societies,
that it is not thought necessary, in this report, to take up
the leading articles of the State, such as corn, wheat, cattle,
hogs, sheep, oats, hay, &c.

Whenever the organization is made general and uniform
throughout the State, the Board will be able to offer such
suggestions as to the leading articles of the country, as it is
believed will be useful to the full development of the resources
of the State in agriculture, mechanics, and manufactures.

In comparison with our sister States, this report will
compare favorably with their first efforts. In one of the ad-
joining States, their first report did not exceed sixty pages.
This will exceed two hundred, and we believe equals the re-
ports of any of the States of the Union, in their first efforts
to furnish information upon their leading industrial produc-
tions.

There is a manifest spirit of improvement abroad in our
State. We doubt not your honorable body will aid and fur-
ther on, by all means within your reach, this great movement
of rivalry—this work of competition—this spirit of emula-
tion. By this means Indiana may soon stand, not the fourth
or fifth State in the Union, but in the elements of true, sub-
stantial wealth, the very first.

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT.
President of the Board.
February 14, 1852.

ITEMS OF EXPENSE OF THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

May Session, 1851.

R. Willard, delegate, expenses alone, - - - = $29 00
John B. Kelly, delegate, expenses alone, - - “ =. | 95:00
John Ratliff, delegate, expenses alone, - - - = 12 75
J. McBride, delegate, expenses alone, - - = = 9 95
D. P. Holloway, delegate, expenses alone, - - = 14 00
G. W. Brown, delegate, expenses alone, - - - = 12 00
Jacob R. Harris, delegate, expenses alone, - - - 15 00
Samuel Emison, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - 93 00
George Hussey, delegate, expenses alone, - . - = 7 50
Thomas W. Swinney, delegate, expenses alone, - - = 34 00
J. P. Chapman, for printing, - - = 5 = 64 64

$246 14

January Session, 1852.

John Ratliff, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - $14 00
Jacob R. Harris, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - 15 00
Jeremiah McBride, delegate, expenses alone, - = = 91 00
E. Singer, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - - 550
W. C. Donaldson, delegate, expenses alone, - - = - 8 00
John W. Grubbs, delegate, expenses alone, - - = - 500
J. Morgan, delegate, expenses alone, - - = “ 8 25
G. W. Brown, delegate, expenses alone, - - - 2 - 10 00
George K. Steele, delegate, expenses alone, - - = = 8 00
Thomas Durham, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - 825
Charles M. Stone, delegate, expenses alone, - - = 10 25
John Hall, delegate, expenses alone, - - 2 iS - 15 00
John Levering, delegate, expenses alone. - - - - 12 00
Thomas W. Swinney, delegate, expenses alone, - - - 34 00
W. T. Dennis, delegate, expenses alone, ~ - - - 12 00
C. L. Murray, delegate, expenses alone, - - A - - 18 00
Joseph Orr, delegate, expenses alone, tert 5 ‘ z 19 00
William Allen, delegate, expenses alone, - - - - 19 00
John B. Dillon, Secretary, - - - - - - 5000
$292 25

Total expenditure to date, - - - - - $538 39

Witness my hand this 27th day of January, 1852.
E. W. H. ELLIS,
Auditor of State.

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PROCEEDINGS

OF THE
INDIANA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

May Session, 1851.

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuxspay, May 27, 1851.

The Indiana State Board of Agriculture met this day in
the Hall of the House of Representatives.

Present—Gov. Joseph A. Wright, of Marion county ;
Jeremiah McBride, of Martin county; Roland Willard, of
Kosciusko county; Jacob R. Harris, of Switzerland county;
John Ratliff, of Hendricks county; David P. Holloway, of
Wayne county; John B. Kelly, of Warrick county; Samuel
Emison, of Knox county; Thomas W. Swinney, of Allen
county; George W. Brown, of Shelby county; George Hus-
sey, of Vigo county.

And from the society of Putnam county, W. D. Allen;
from the society of St. Joseph county, Joseph L. Jernegan;
from the society of Vermillion county, R. M. Waterman;
from the society of Kosciusko county, G. W. Stacy; from
the society of Montgomery county, 8. C. Willson.

The Board was called to order, and,

On motion, a ballot was had for President, which resulted
in the unanimous election of Governor Josepu A. Wricur.
On motion, -”

The Board adjourned until to-morrow at ten o’clock.

WEDNESDAY, May 28, 1851.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded
to hold an election for additional officers ; whereupon

Joun B. Ditton was elected Secretary ;

Royvat Mayvuew was elected Treasurer ;

Grorcr Hussry was elected Ist Vice President ;

Samurt Emison was elected 2d Vice President.

The members of the Board then proceeded to draw lots
for terms of service, and the following was the result :

Fora term of two years— Messrs. Wright, Willard, Hol-
loway, McLane, Emison, Swinney, Hussey, and Stevenson.

For a term of one year— Messrs. McBride, Ratliff, Kelly
Ellsworth, McMahan, Brown, Orr, and Harris.

The President of the Board delivered an address on the
importance of encouraging and sustaining the agricultural
interests of the State of Indiana.

Mr. Holloway laid before the Board the following plan for
the organization and management of county or district socie-
ties :

First. 'The officers of a society shall consist of a President,
Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a director from
each civil township in said county or district, who, together
shall constitute a Board of Directors for the general manage-
ment of the affairs of the society. They shall be elected
annually by the members of the society, and hold their offices
until their successors are appointed.

Second. Members of the society must be residents of the
county or district, and pay a sum not less than one dollar
annually to the Treasurer.

Third. Competitors for premiums must be members of
the society.

Fourth. A list of the articles for which premiums are to
be awarded by the society must be published in a newspaper
or in handbills, at least one month previous to the day of
exhibition.

Fifth. All articles offered for premiums must be owned
by the persons offering the same, or by members of their '
families; and products of the soil, or manufactured articles,
must be produced or manufactured within the county or
district.

Sizth. Awarding committees of three persons each, shall
be annually appointed by the directors of the society, for
judging the different classes of articles offered in competition,
and awarding premiums for the same.

Seventh. The awarding committees must comply with |
the provisions of the law requiring competitors for premiums
on crops and other improvements, to furnish full and correct
statements of the process and expense of culture or produc-
tion, &c.

Highth. Competitors for premiums on crops shall be re-
quired to have the ground and its produce accurately meas-
ured by not less than two disinterested persons, whose state-
ments must be certified in writing.

Ninth. Premiums on grain and grass crops shall not be
awarded for less than one acre, and on root crops not Jess
than one fourth of an acre. The whole quantity produced
on the amount of land specified, shall be measured or weigh-
ed; root crops to be estimated by weight, (divested of the
tops) sixty pounds to be considered a bushel ; and grain crops —
to be weighed according to the statute weight of the State.
The rules in relation to other crops and productions to be
agreed on by the directors of the society.

Tenth. The annual exhibitions of the society must be held
at some period between the first of September and the first
of November of each and every year. The premiums on
crops may be awarded at a later period if thought necessary.

The foregoing plan of organization for county or district
societies was,

On motion of Mr. Holloway,

Referred to a committee of three, to be appointed by the

President of the Board. Whereupon
2

Messrs. Holloway, Brown, and Harris were appointed said
committee,

Mr. Holloway offered the following resolution, concerning
the reports of county or district societies.

Resolved, That the following rules shall be observed by
county or district societies in preparing the reports required
by the third section of the law to be made annually to the
Board, at its meeting in January:

1. A copy of the printed list of premiums offered and
awarded by the society, together with the abstract of the
Treasurer’s report.

2. The statements of successful competitors for premiums
on crops, and other improvements, detailing the mode of til-
lage, or process of the improvement, &c.

3. A report by the President and Secretary, giving a gene-
ral account of the proceedings of the society, the number of
its members, and the prospect of its progress and usefulness,
together with copies of addresses, &c.

4, A statement of the principal kinds of agricultural pro-
ductions of the county or district; and as far as practicable,
the aggregate amount of the same. Also the average yield
per acre of the principal crops for the past season; the value
or current price of the products in market, together with the
towns or places where principally sold; and all such other
information as may aid the State Board in preparing a statis-
tical table of the products of such county or district.

Mr. Holloway moved to refer the foregoing resolution toa
committee of three.

Mr. Brown proposed that it be referred to a committee of
five; which was agreed to, and

Messrs. Holloway, Brown, Harris, Stacy, and Swinney,
were appointed said committee.

On motion of Mr. Waterman, it was

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draft

rules for the government of the State Board of Agriculture,

and to report the same to the Board at its meeting in January,
1852.

Messrs. Waterman, Willard, and Allen were appointed a

committee for that purpose.
On motion of Mr. Allen,

A committee of five was appointed to take into considera-
tion and report upon the expediency of holding a State Agri-
cultural Fair in the fall of this year.

The committee appointed consisted of Messrs. Allen, Mc-
Bride, Kelly, Jernegan, and Holloway.

On motion of Mr. Hussey,

A committee of three was appointed, consisting of Messrs.
Hussey, Brown, and Ratliff, to take into consideration and
report upon the propriety of adopting measures to give proper
encouragement for the establishment and support of an agri-
cultural newspaper.

On motion of Mr. Brown,

The Board adjourned to meet at two o’clock in the after-

noon of this day.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment.

Mr. Holloway presented the following report :

Mr. Prestpentr— The select committee to which was re-
ferred a paper relative to the organization and management
of county or district societies, and another relative to the
reports of county or district societies, have given the same
their attention, and respectfully recommend that they be
adopted by the Board.

Which report was concurred in.

Mr. Allen laid before the Board the following report:

The select committee to whom was referred the subject of
holding a State Agricultural Fair next fall, have had the sub-
ject under consideration, and a majority of the committee

20:

have directed me to.report in. favor of holding a State Fair
at the time mentioned.

After some discussion, in which Messrs., Allen, McBride,
Brown, Harris, Wright, Holloway and Jernegan participated,
the further consideration of the report was postponed. until
to-morrow.

Mr. Hussey made the following report:

Mr. Presipent—The committee appointed to consider the
propriety of supporting an agricultural work, to be published
in this State, respectfully beg to report that they have taken
the same into consideration, and recommend to this Board,
the county societies and the agriculturists generally through-
out the State, the propriety of encouraging a work of that
kind, to be established at some suitable point in the State;
all of which is respectfully. submitted.

Which report was concurred in.

Mr. Holloway offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the President and Secretary be requested
to prepare printed circulars, and address them to the presi-
dents of the different agricultural societies, or other suitable
persons in counties where no such societies exist, asking
them to communicate to the Board the desired facts and sta-
tistics in relation to agriculture.

Which resolution was adopted.

On motion of, Mr. Holloway, the. following resolution
was adopted:

Resolved, That the President. and Secretary. be directed. to
address letters to the different State agricultural societies,
and to any such societies in foreign countries they may deem
proper, soliciting a correspondence, and to express the desire
of this Board to interchange with them any information,
books, reports, or other productions that may be deemed
valuable,

The Board adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at eight _
o’clock.

Tuurspay, May 29, 1851.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment, and the minutes
of the proceedings of yesterday having been read;

The president laid the following communication before the
Board:

“Tnpranapous, May 29, 1851.
Gov. WricutT:

Isend to you a copy of the ‘Indiana Farmer and Gar-
dener,’ for each member of the State Board of Agriculture,
which please present to them and oblige,

Yours, &c., .
JOHN D. DEFREES,”

On motion of Mr. Waterman,

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be tendered to
J. D. Defrees, for the valuable present of 'a volume of the
“Farmer and Gardener” to each member of this Board.

On motion, it was,

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be tendered Col.
S. Medary for five volumes of Ohio Agricultural Reports.

On motion of Mr. Wright, it was, :

Resolved, That the copies of Ohio Agricultural Reports,
presented by Col. Medary, be donated to the organized
county agricultural societies in Indiana.

The report of Mr. Allen concerning the time of holding a
State Agricultural Fair, was taken up, and

On motion of Mr. Holloway,

The report was amended by fixing the fall of the year
1852 as the time for holding the first State fair.

And the report was then adopted.

The following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That each member of the State Board of Agri-
culture, be authorized to make out an account of the expenses
incurred by him in attending the present session of the

Board, and present the same to the Secretary of the Board,
who shall certify the account to the Auditor of State.
On motion of Mr. Allen, it was,

Resolved, That the President and Secretary of the Board,
cause three thousand copies of circulars relating to the or-
ganization of county or district societies, to be printed and
distributed.

On the suggestion of Mr. Harris of Switzerland county,
the several members of the Board present, made statements
concerning the prospects of the crops of wheat, corn, &c.,
in Indiana, at the present time.

After which, various modes of reclaiming wet lands, by
ditches or underdrains, were discussed.

On motion of Mr. Allen, it was

Resolved, That the editors of the several newspapers in
Indiana, be requested to publish the proceedings of this meet-
ing of the State Board of Agriculture.

On motion of Mr. Brown, it was

Resolved, That the Board now adjourn to meet at the
State House, on Thursday after the first Monday in January
1852,

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT,

President.
Joun B. Dixon, Secretary.

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Janvary Sexssion, 1852.

InpianaPous, January 8, 1852.

The second session of the Indiana State Board of Agri-
culture, was commenced this day in the Supreme Court room
at the State House.

The Board was called to order by the President, Governor
Joseph A. Wright, and the following members of the Board
were present, viz:

Joseph A. Wright, of Marion county.
Alexander C. Stevenson, of Putnam county.
Jeremiah McBride, of Martin county.

Jacob R. Harris, of Switzerland county.
John Ratliff, of Morgan county.

Joseph Orr, of Laporte county.

David P. Holloway, of Wayne county.
Thomas W. Swinney, of Allen county.
George W. Brown, of Shelby county.

The following named persons appeared and were admitted.
as delegates from county agricultural societies:

From the county of Allen, I. D. G. Nelson.

From the county of Elkhart, C. L. Murray.

From the county of Fayette, Chas. M. Stone.

From the county of Hendricks, EK. Singer.

From the county of Henry, J. W. Grubbs.

From the county of Knox, James D. Williams.

From the county of Laporte, William Allen.

From the county of Marion, Calvin Fletcher.

From the county of Martin, W. E. Niblack.

From the county of Monroe, L. Bollman.

From the counties of Ohio and Switzerland, John Hall.

From the county of Parke, G. K. Steele.

From the county of Rush, Jesse Morgan.

From the county of Shelby, Rev. D. Whitcomb.

From the county of Steuben, Geo. W. McConnell.

From the county of Tippecanoe, John Levering.

From the county of Vigo, Thomas Durham.

From the county of Wayne, Wm. T. Dennis.

Mr. Orr offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the members of the Senate and House of
Representatives be requested to attend the meetings of the
State Board of Agriculture, when convenient, and particular-
ly our night, sessions, and participate in the deliberations and
discussions of the Board; and that the Secretary furnish a
copy of this resolution to both Houses.

Mr. Singer moved to go into an election for members of
the State Board, to fill the vacancies of those whose terms
expire this day.

After some discussion, it was resolved to go into such elec-
tion this evening.

Reports from county societies were called for, and present-
ed, from the counties of Elkhart, Fayette, Henry, Monroe,
Marion, Morgan, Ohio and Switzerland, Parke, Putnam, Por-
ter, Rush, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, Vigo, and Wayne.

On motion of Mr. Brown,

The President appointed a committee to report, as soon as
practicable, rules for the government of the State Board.

The committee consisted of Messrs. Brown, Nelson, Allen,
Steele, and Dennis.

The President laid before the Board various reports, docu-
ments, &c., relating to agriculture, received from the States
of New York and Ohio.

The President also laid before the Board two communica-
tions from Gen. Joseph Orr, of Laporte county, relating to
the draining of wet lands, and to the state of agriculture in
Laporte county.

A communication from M. R. Hull, of Fayette county,
relating to sheep and wool growing, and to agriculture gene-
rally, was laid before the Board by the President.

On motion of Mr. Levering,

A committee of three was appointed to find out what
amendments the present law for the encouragement of agri-
culture requires, and to report such amendments to this Board.

Messrs. Levering, Holloway and Nelson were appointed
said committee.

On motion of Mr. Dennis,

Resolved, That the Legislature be requested to amend the
act for the encouragement of agriculture, so that all regularly
organized horticultural societies within the State, be placed
on the same footing as the county societies.

Mr. Holloway offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That an executive committee of three shall be
appointed, of which the President shall be chairman, to deter-
mine the time and place of holding the State Fair, with full
powers to offer and award premiums under the law of 1851,
for the promotion of agriculture.

Mr. Stevenson moved to amend the resolution by striking
out all after the wore “resolved,” and inserting the following:
“That a committee of five be appointed to make out and re-
port to this Board, a premium list.”

Which amendment was lost, and the resolution was then
adopted.
Mr. Steele offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the committee on the agricultural law in-
quire into the expediency of so amending that law, that the
assessors shall, in each county, take down in their assess-
ments, the number of stock.

Mr. Fletcher suggested an amendment, including the num-
ber of acres of wheat, rye, corn, oats, barley, flax, hemp,
potatoes, broom-corn, vineyards, &c.; which amendment
was accepted, and the resolution was then adopted.

Gov. Wright offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the State Board of Agriculture, in their
report to the Legislature, be requested to ask an appropria-
tion of two thousand dollars, for the use of the Board during
the present year.

Which was adopted.

Mr. Dennis offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That each delegate present be requested to fur-
nish the Secretary with the names of ten suitable persons in
their respective counties, to act as judges at the State Fair,
designating the particular classes of articles upon which the
persons named are considered qualified to act.

Which was adopted.

Mr. Holloway offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the executive committee be, and they are
hereby instructed to give notice through the public press,
that the State Fair of 1852 will be held at such place as will
contribute the largest sum to defray the expenses of said
Fair; but said executive committee shall take into conside-
ration the local advantages of the different towns or cities,
making application for the holding of said Fair in their re-
spective places.

Which was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Nelson,
The Board adjourned to meet in the Hall of the House of
Representatives at 7 o’clock this evening.

EVENING SESSION,

January 8, 1852.

The Board met pursuant to adjournment.

A report from the Hendricks county agricultural society
was received.

Mr. Cockrum was admitted as a delegate from the agricul-
tural society of Gibson county.

On motion of Mr. Singer,

The delegates proceeded to an election of members of the
State Board of Agriculture, to fill the vacancies of those
whose terms of service expires to-day, and the result of the
first ballot was as follows:

Jeremiah McBride received, - : 17 votes.
George W. Brown received, - - 17 votes.
Jacob R. Harris received, - ~ “ 18 votes.
John McMahan received, - - - 18 votes.
George K. Steele received, . - 17 votes.
Joseph Orr received, - 2 - - 16 votes.
A. Seward received, s 2 - 16 votes.
George G. Dunn received, - - - 18 votes.
H. L. Ellsworth received, : = 1 vote.
D. P. Holloway received, - - - 1 vote.
John Ratliff received, . . : 2 votes.

Whereupon the President declared Messrs. McBride,
Brown, Harris, McMahan, Steele, Orr, Seward and Dunn
elected members of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture,
until the day of the meeting of the Board in January, 1852.

Mr. Brown, from the committee on Rules, made the fol-
lowing report:

“The committee on Rules respectfully beg leave to report
the following—

First. The Board shall meet on its own adjourninients:

Second. The business of the Board shall be transacted in
accordance with the regular rules of legislative bodies.

Third. A committee of three shall be appointed by the
President, on Publication, to whom all matters pertaining to
the printing of the Board shall be referred.

Fourth. A committee of three shall be appointed by the
President, on Schedule of Premiums,to whom all matters
pertaining to premiums shall be referred.

Fifth. A committee of three shall be appointed by the
President, on Amendments, to whom all matters relating to
any revision or alteration of the act relating to agriculture
shall be referred.

Sizth. A committee of three shall be appointed by the
President, of whom the President shall be chairman, as an
Executive committee, who shall have all necessary powers to
arrange the time, place, and manner, of holding the State
Fair, subject to the instructions of the Board.

Seventh. A committee of three shall be appointed by the
President, as a committee on Business, to whom all matters
not already provided for, shall be referred.

Which report was concurred in.

A report from Laporte county was laid bakes the Board.

Gov. Wright offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Executive committee be instructed, in
awarding premiums, to make a portion of them in silver
cups, a portion in money, a portion in books, and a ee
in diplomas and certificates.

Mr. Holloway moved to strike out from the resolution all
after the word “resolved,” and to insert the following:

“That the premiums offered by this Board shall be payable
in money, works of agriculture and diplomas, except on such
articles of a horticultural character as the Executive com-
mittee may designate, which shall be awarded in silver cups.”

Mr. Bollman moved to amend the amendment of Mr. Hol-
leway, by adding after the word “money,” the words “agri-
cultural implements.”

Which motion did not prevail.

Mr. Dennis offered’ the following risdhvitinos as a substitute
for Mr. Holloway’s amendment:

Resolved, That successful competitors, for first class pre-
miums, shall have it at their option to take the money, or its
value in silver cups, to be furnished by the Board upon their
order, with proper inscriptions.

Which substitute was adopted.

On motion, of. Mr. Brown,

The resolution and substitute were laid on the table to be
taken up to-morrow.

Mr. Murray offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the President and Secretary of the State
Board of Agriculture, be requested, to make out and submit
to the Legislature, at its present session, a detailed report of
the proceedings of said Board for the last year, its prospects
for. usefulness, the number of county societies. organized: or
revived since it went into operation, and the present condi-
tion of the agricultural interests. of the State, with such
other. observations as may be deemed useful to the Legisla-
ture or the people.

Resolved, That said report; when’ made, shall contain, in
the form. of an appendix, or otherwise, the reports in full of
all the | county. agricultural ‘societies, in. the State for the last
year, together with the addresses made before ‘each society
during that period, so far-as copies may be furnished.

Which resolutions.were adopted.

Mr. Bollman submitted the pollo preamble and resolu-
tions:

Wuerras, A great and. increased demand exists among: the
farmers of our State, for the annual agricultural, reports,
issued from.the. office of the commissioner of patents, and

as the supply is totally inadequate to this increased de-

mand;

Anp wuereas, Through the organization of our State Board
of Agriculture, and the county associations, means are pre-
sented for the distribution of seeds; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we respectfully solicit the commissioner of

patents to forward, annually to each county agricultural so-

ciety in this State, ten copies of his annual agricultural
report, to be by them placed in their respective libraries.

Be it further resolved, That we solicit the commissioner of
patents, to forward to the State Board, a portion of such
seeds, plants, &c., for the farm and the vegetable and flower
gardens, that may come to his office, and such as, in his
opinion, will be adapted to the climate of Indiana.

Be it further resolved, That the Secretary of the State
Board forward a copy of these resolutions to the commis-
sioner of patents, together with a list of the names of the
several county societies.

And be it further resolved, That a committee of three be
appointed to report upon the best means of establishing an
interchange of seeds, plants, &c., between the county asso-
ciations and the State Board.

Which resolutions were, at the request of Mr. Bollman,
laid on the table until to-morrow.

On motion of Gov. Wright,

A committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Holloway,
Stone, and Durham, was appointed to report to this Board
the number of copies of the report of the State Board which
it would be proper for the Legislature to cause to be printed.

Mr. Singer submitted the following resolution :

Resolved, That this Board appoint a committee to take
into consideration the propriety of suggesting some feasible
plan for the establishment of an agricultural school.

Which motion was laid on the table.

Mr. Stevenson offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the committee on Rules be instructed to

report a resolution fixing the terms of service of the Presi-
dent and other officers of the Board, and also to define their
duties.

Which was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Singer, it was

Resolved, That the Board, in their report to the Legisla-
ture, urge upon their attention the necessity for more strin-
gent enactments for the protection of orchards, vineyards
and other crops liable to molestation by trespassers.

Mr. Steele offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the committee to recommend amendments
to the law of last winter, inquire into the expediency of so
altering the law, as to give each county regularly organized
into a society for the promotion of agriculture, fifty dollars
from the treasury, instead of the present law; and that the
money raised from shows, exhibitions, &c., be paid into the
State Treasury, to be distributed among the organized agri-
cultural societies.

Which was adopted ; and,

On motion,

The Board adjourned to meet at ten o’clock to-morrow

morning.

FRIDAY, January, 9, 1852.

_ The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
The President laid before the Board a report from Tippe-
canoe county, and a letter from H. L. Ellsworth, of Lafayette.
The President of the Board then announced the following
committees:

COMMITTEE ON SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS.
Messrs. Stevenson, Singer and Williams.

ON AMENDMENTS.
Messrs. Harris, Grubbs and Dennis.

ON PUBLICATION.
Messrs. Swinney, Bollman and Fletcher.

ON BUSINESS GENERALLY.

Messrs. Orr, Hall and McConnell.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Messrs. Holloway and Brown, (the President of the Board
being chairman,) and Mr. Stevenson, subsequently added to
the committee.

The committee on rules for the government of the State
Board, made the following report:

The officers of this society shall consist of a President,
Treasurer and Secretary.

The President shall hold his office for two years, and until
his successor is qualified. He shall preside at all meetings of
the Board, and perform such duties as may be proper, as the
presiding officer of said Board.

The Treasurer shall hold his office for two years, and until
his successor is qualified; and shall execute a bond to the
State Board in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars, condi-
tioned for the faithful discharge of his duties, and with free-
hold security to the satisfaction of the Board.

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all moneys
on account of any and all the business operations of the
Board, and pay the same out upon the warrants of the Sec-
retary, countersigned by the President. He shall make an
annual report to the Board, upon the first day of its regular
annual meeting, embracing a fall exhibit of his’ operations
during the year.

The Secretary of the State Board shall hold his office for

two years, and until his successor is qualified. He shall keep
a true record of the proceedings of the Board. He shall
conduct all correspondence on behalf of the Board, except
when otherwise directed by the President.

He shall, by himself and assistants, arrange the details of
the entries, tickets, enroll the names of committees and judges
of the State Fair, receive and record the various reports of
the awarding committees, fill out and deliver all diplomas
and certificates, and perform such other duties as the best
interests of the Board may demand.

He shall receive a salary of dollars per annum, which
shall be in full compensation for all duties he may perform.

Mr. Stevenson moved to amend the foregoing report so as
to limit the term of service of the President to one year.

Which motion was lost, and the report was concurred in.

Mr. Donaldson, of Parke county, was, on motion of Mr.
Steele, admitted as a delegate to this session of the State
Board.

Mr. Stevenson offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the committee on Rules be instructed to
report rules for the government of the State Fair, the price
of admittance to the grounds, &c.

Mr. Fletcher moved to amend the resolution so as to au-
thorize the executive committee to adopt rules for the man-
agement of the State Fair.

Which amendment was concurred in, and the resolution,
as amended, was adopted.

Mr. Stevenson was, on motion of Mr. Fletcher, added to
the executive committee of the State Board.

On motion of Mr. Fletcher,

Resolved, That the President of the Board be authorized to
fill any vacancies that may occur in the executive committee.

Mr. Williams offered the following resolution, which was
adopted:

Resolved, That the executive committee be instructed to
take charge of all matters not otherwise referred.

Goy. Wright offered the following resolution, which was
adopted:

Resolved, That the committee on Schedule of Premiums,
be requested to report to this Board a list of premiums to
be awarded at the contemplated State Fair, and if not con-
venient to make such report, to make to this Board any
suggestions they may deem advisable in relation to the arti-
cles on which premiums should be awarded.

At the suggestion of Mr. Stevenson, the communications
from Gen. Orr of Laporte county, and Mr. M. R. Hull of
Fayette county, were taken up and read.

When, on motion, the Board adjourned to meet at two
o’clock.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

2 o’ctock, P. M., January 9, 1852.

The Board met.

The committee, to whom the subject was referred, laid be-
fore the Board the following report:

Mr. Prestpent—The committee to which was referred the
duty of determining the proper number of copies of the re-
port of this Board to be printed, respectfully recommend that
2,500 be printed, the Legislature consenting.

Which was concurred in.

Mr. Niblack laid before the Board a report from Martin
county. .

Mr. Donaldson offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the committee on Amendments inquire into
the expediency of so amending the rules governing county
or district associations, as to award premiums on root crops
of a less quantity than one-fourth of an acre.

Which was adopted.

Mr. Dennis offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That a committee be appointed by the President,

who shall visit the Fairs of other States for the purpose of
a friendly interchange of civilities with our agricultural
friends therein, and for the purpose of examining such new
varieties of stocks, implements, machinery, &c., as they may
deem worthy of consideration, together with such details as,
in their opinion, would subserve the interests of their socie-
ties, and they shall report the same to the next annual meet-
ing of the Board.

Which was adopted.

Mr. Dennis offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Wayne county agricultural society be
empowered to make the premiums, to be awarded at its
coming Fair, open to all as far as its directors may deter-
mine.

Mr. Levering moved to amend the resolution so as to ex-
tend its provisions to all county societies.

Mr. Allen offered the following resolution as a compro-
mise:

Resolved, That all county fairs shall be open for competi-
tion to all counties which have agricultural societies formed.

Which resolution and the amendment of Mr. Levering
were lost.

A vote was then taken on the question and the resolution
offered by Mr. Dennis, was not adopted.

Mr. Nelson offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That it shall be lawful for any person residing
in a county where no agricultural society is formed, to con-
nect himself with any other county society, and remain a
member of such society so long as no society shall be organ-
ized in his own county and no longer.

Which was not adopted.

A report by Mr. Levering from Tippecanoe county was
read by the President of the Board; after which,

The board went into committee of the whole, to discuss
the various methods of draining and reclaiming wet lands;

after an interesting discussion, in which several members

took part ;
The Board adjourned to meet at 7 o’clock this evening.

EVENING SESSION.

The Board met.

Mr. Stevenson moved that the Executive committee be in-
structed to offer a premium of twenty-five dollars for the
best plan of a dwelling; one of twenty-five dollars for the
best plan of a barn; and one of twenty-five dollars for the
best essay on rendering useful the hilly lands of the State;
each plan of a building to be accompanied with specifications.

Mr. Murray moved an amendment, requiring three plans
of dwellings to be given—one costing not over five hundred
dollars—one not over seven hundred and fifty dollars—and
one costing not over one thousand dollars.

After some discussion the amendment of Mr. Murray was
withdrawn.

Mr. Nelson moved an amendment, limiting the cost of
dwelling, out houses and barn, to one thousand dollars.

Which amendment was lost, and the motion of Mr. Ste-
venson was then agreed to.

Mr. Levering, from the committee on amendments, made
the following report:

The committee appointed to report to the Board such
alterations and amendments in the laws pertaining to agricul-
ture as they may deem necessary, beg leave to submit the fol-
_ lowing:

First. Amend so that the time of service of one half the
members of the Board shall expire on the last day of the
session of the annual meeting in January.

Second. Amend so as to fix definitely the pay of the mem-
bers of the State Board proper, confining such compensation
to the actual expenses incurred, and requiring each county

society to pay the expenses of their delegate or President in
their attendance of the meetings of the State Board.

Which report was concurred in.

Mr. Nelson submitted the following resolution :

Resolved, That each member of this Board be requested to
use his influence in extending the circulation of the Indiana
Farmer, by subscribing for it himself if he is not already a
subscriber, and using his influence in inducing others to sub-
scribe.

Which was unanimously adopted.

The. resolution offered by Gov. Wright, and the amend-
ment proposed by Mr. Dennis, on the subject of premiums,
were then taken from the table, and the amendment was lost.

The following amendment to the original resolution was
offered :

Provided, That not exceeding five hundred dollars shall
be expended in the purchase of cups, to be distributed as
premiums.

Which amendment was agreed to, and the resolution was
then adopted.

The resolution of Mr. Bollman, relative to procuring the
Patent Office Agricultural Reports, and seeds to be forwarded
to each organized society in this State, was taken up and
adopted.

On motion of Mr. Bollman, it was

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report on the
best means of establishing an interchange of seeds, plants,
&c., between the county associations and the State Board,
with leave to report at the next annual meeting of the Board.

Messrs. Orr, Hall, McConnell and Bollman were appointed
said committee.

Mr. Holloway offered the following resolution :

Resolved, That the thanks of this State Board be, and they
are hereby tendered to the Presidents and executive commit-
tees of the Agricultural Fairs of the States of New York
and Ohio, in inviting the President of our State Board to

attend their great Fairs of 1851, and their kind and courte-
ous attention to him during his visit, and for the valuable re-
ports presented to this Board; and in return, we hereby
instruct our President to invite the executive officers of the
States of New York and Ohio to attend our State Fair next
fall.

Which was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Dennis submitted the following resolution :

Resolved, That the Board earnestly recommend to the
pomologists, horticulturists and farmers of this State, a
cordial support of the Western Horticultural Review, pub-
lished at Cincinnati, Ohio, as a very able and valuable work,
and the only one of this character published in the west.

Which was unanimously adopted.

Dr. Warder, the editor of the Horticultural Review being
present, returned his acknowledgments in an interesting speech
on the utility of Horticulture, and on its intimate connection
with farming.

The following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That the sum of fifty dollars be allowed John B.
Dillon for his services as Secretary of this Board for the past
year.

Mr. Nelson moved that the members of the State Board, and
delegates from county societies who may be members of the
Legislature, and other farmers, meet on every Saturday
evening at 7 o’clock, during the present session of the Legis-
lature, in the Hall of the House of Representatives, for the
purpose of discussing agricultural subjects.

Which was unanimously agreed to.

The business having been completed, Mr. Murray moved
that the Board adjourn without day.

Before putting the question, the President addressed the
Board, congratulating them on the strong evidences exhibited
of the utility of the law which gave existence to the Board,
and those county associations so rapidly forming over the

whole State. These were its first beginnings, and its future
usefulness could easily be seen in them. That their efforts
would be cordially responded to by the Legislature, and the
people of the State, he did not doubt.
The Board then adjourned sine die.
JOSEPH A. WRIGHT, President.
Joun B. Dituon, Secretary.

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CIRCULAR.

INDIANAPOLIS, June 4, 1851.

Tur Inprana Strate Boarp or Acricutture, at its late
session, adopted a resolution by which the President and
Secretary of the Board are required to collect, for arrange-
ment and publication, particular information concerning the
present condition of the agricultural interest of the State;
and, also, reliable opinions, from authentic sources, respecting
the magnitude to which that interest may be increased by
the introduction of methods of farming more thorough, sys-
tematic, and profitable, than those methods which now
generally prevail.

At the proper time, with the aid of county or district
societies, county organizations, and county fairs, we shall be
able to hold a State Fair that will place Indiana in a distin-
guished position among the first agricultural States in the
Union. But, it will be of little advantage to our agricultural
interest, to have, at some point in the State, a great parade,
to be called a Fair, if, at the same time, our county organiza-
tions, and our citizens generally, are not prepared and dis-
posed to co-operate in the work.

It will be seen by the law which is published with this
circular, that some inducements are offered for the organiza-
tion of county or district societies. They may receive the
whole amount of tax assessed and collected annually, in the
county, upon menageries, circuses, theatrical performances,
or other shows. In some counties of the State, this tax, it
is estimated, will amount annually to the sum of fifty dollars.
In other counties it will probably amount to the sum of one
hundred dollars. The sum will be subject to the order of the
county or district society, to be paid out in premiums, &c.

By a vote of the State Board it has been determined to
hold a State Fair at some time in the fall of the year 1852.
The organization, proceedings, and success of county or
district societies, will have great influence on the action of
the Board at their meeting in January next.

If the county or district societies will forward to the State
Board, before the first of December next, full reports of their
proceedings and prospects, with any other facts or sugges-
tions that they may think proper to communicate, the Board
will be enabled to lay before the next Legislature an inter-
esting and valuable report concerning the agricultural re-
sources of Indiana.

The General Assembly will, we doubt not, authorize the
publication and distribution of a large number of copies of
the first report of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture.
It is the design of the Board to make this report full, useful,
and authentic; and interesting to citizens of the State, and
to strangers abroad.

In order to carry into effect, as far as practicable, this de-
sign of the Board, the undersigned, very earnestly and
respectfully, request the county or district societies, and
gentlemen who may receive this Circular, to furnish from
their several counties information upon the points contained
in the following questions or upon any one or more of those
points that may fall within the scope of their experience or
observation. |

Communications may be addressed to “the Secretary of
the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, Indianapolis,’ at
any time before the first of December, 1851.

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT,
President of the Board.
Joun B. Ditton, Secretary.

QUESTIONS.

Ist. WHEAT.

What are considered the best varieties in use? State the methods of pre-
paring the ground—preparing the seed—time of seeding—quantity of seed
used per acre—average yield per acre—time of harvesting—manner of securing
the crop—usual place of market—prevailing price during the present season—
remedies for Hessian flies, and Wevils.

2p. CORN.

Name the favorite varieties in use—the manner of preparing the ground—
time of planting—number of times and depth of plowing—average product
per acre, and cost of production—place of market, and prevailing prices du-
ring the present season,

3p. OATS, RYE, AND BARLEY.

State the quantity of seed used per acre for these several crops—the average
yield per acre—the prices paid during the present season.

4ru. GRASS.

In making meadows, what grasses are esteemed the most valuable? State
the quantity of seed used per acre—quantity of hay cut per acre—cost of pro-
duction per ton—places of market—prices per ton during the present season—
methods of fertilizing meadows.

StH. DAIRY.

What is the average yearly produce of butter or cheese per cow—compara-
tive cost per pound of making butter and cheese—treatment of milk and
cream—mode of churning—of putting down butter for market—average prices
of butter and cheese.

6TH. NEAT CATTLE.

What is the cost of raising till three years old—usual price at that age—
value of good dairy cows in spring and fall?

7rH. SHEEP AND WOOL,

Are large or small sheep more profitable, either for mutton or for their
fleeces? Cost per pound of growing coarse or fine wool. Is wool growing
profitable?

8ru. HOGS.

What are considered the best breeds, and the best methods of putting up
pork, and curing bacon and hams—prices of pork and bacon during the present
season ?

97H. HEMP.

What is the average yield per acre, and cost of production per pound?

1011. POTATOES.

Name the most profitable varieties—common system of planting, tillage, and
manuring—average yield per acre—cost of production, and market prices du-
ring the present season.

Iltx. FRUIT CULTURE.

Name the different varieties of fruit—the methods of cultivation—the quan-
tities produced—the best varieties to keep for winter use, or for exportation—
the usual prices in market—the best methods of transplanting, budding, graft-
ing, &e.

12rn. SOIL, TIMBER, &c.

State the prevailing character of the soil of the county—the crops to which
it is best adapted—the different kinds of forest trees. Is the land mainly roll-
ing or level? What portion of it (if any) cannot be brought under cultiva-
tion? State what is regarded as the most profitable rotation of crops. What
are the different kinds of farm crops, or agricultural productions? Have you
any reliable ‘information or statistics of the aggregate annual amount of any
staple products sold, or produced in the conltty ? If so, give the same. What
are esteemed the best manures, and the best time and manner of their applica-
tion.

13tn. WET LANDS, IMPROVEMENTS, &c.

What methods are used in ditching, or draining and reclaiming wet lands?
What is the best and cheapest method? Have any considerable improvements
been introduced in your county during the past two or three years in the modes
of farming, in the kind of crops, in agricultural implements, or in stock ?

14th. COUNTY OR DISTRICT SOCIETIES.

Give the names of the officers and members of the county or district agri-
cultural society—the date of its organization—a brief account of its proceed-
ings, including addresses, premiums, and any other particulars respecting its
history that may be deemed interesting.

PLAN

FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF COUNTY OR
DISTRICT SOCIETIES:—ADOPTED BY THE INDIANA STATE
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

1. The Officers of the Society shall consist of a President, Vice President,
Treasurer, Secretary, and a Director from each civil township in said county or
district, who, together, shall constitute a Board of Directors, for the general
management of the affairs of the society ; they should be elected annually by
the members of the society, and hold their offices until their successors are
appointed.

2. Members of the Society must be residents of the county or district, and
pay the sum of one dollar annually to the Treasurer.

3. Competitors for premiums must be members of the society.

4. A list of the articles for which premiums are to be awarded by the society
must be published in a newspaper, or in handbills, at least one month previous
to the day of the exhibition.

5. All articles offered for premiums must be owned by the persons offering
the same, or by members of their families ; and products of the soil, or manu-
factured articles, must be produced or manufactured within the county or dis-
trict.

6. Awarding committees of three persons each shall be annually appointed
by the directors of the society, for judging the different classes of articles
offered in competition, and awarding premiums for the same.

7. The awarding committees must comply with the provisions of the law,
requiring competitors for premiums on crops and other improvements, to fur-
nish full and correct statements of the proceeds and expense of culture or
production, &c.

8. Competitors for premiums on crops shall be required to have the ground
and its produce accurately measured by not less than two disinterested persons,
whose statements must be certified in writing.

9. Premiums on grain and grass crops shall not be awarded for less than one
acre, and on root crops, not less than one-fourth of an acre ; the whole quantity
produced on the amount of land specified shall be measured or weighed — root
crops to be estimated by weight, (divested of the tops,) 60 pounds to be con-
sidered a bushel ; the grain crops to be weighed according to the statute weights
of this State—the rules in relation to other crops and productions to be agreed
on by the directors of the society.

10. The annual exhibitions of the societies must be held at some period
between the first of September and the first of November of each and every
year. The premiums on crops may be awarded at a later period, if thought
necessary.

RESOLUTION

CONCERNING REPORTS FROM COUNTY OR DISTRICT SOCIE-
TIES:—ADOPTED BY THE INDIANA STATE BOARD OF AGRI-
CULTURE.

Resolved, That the following rules shall be obseryed by county or district
societies in preparing the reports required by the third section of the law, to
be made annually to the Board, at its meeting in January:

1. A copy of the printed list of premiums offered and awarded by the
society, together with the abstract of the Treasurer’s report.

2. The statements of successful contributors for premiums on crops, and
other improvements, detailing the mode of tillage or process of the improve-
ment, dc.

3. <A report by the President and Secretary, giving a general account of the
proceedings of the society, the number of its members, and the prospects of
its progress and usefulness, together with copies of addresses delivered on
agricultural subjects, dc.

4. <A statement of the principal kinds of agricultural productions of the
county or district, and, as far as practicable, the aggregate amount of the same;
also the average yield per acre of the principal crops for the past seasoh—the
value or current price of the products in market, together with the towns or
places where principally sold, and all such other information as may aid the
State Board in preparing a statistical table of the products of such county or
district.

REPORTS

FROM

COUNTY SOCIETIES.

ELKHART COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE ELKHART COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President of the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture:

In compliance with the law for the encouragement of agri-
culture in this State, the undersigned has the honor to submit
the following report:

The Elkhart County Agricultural Society was organized
in the early part of last summer, 1851, according to the
“plan”? recommended by the State Board.

E. M, Cuampervain, President; N. Sminey, Treasurer;
and C. L. Murray, Secretary; with a Board of Directors.

The first annual Fair was held. in Goshen, the county seat,
on the 24th and 25th days of October, and was numerously
attended from all parts of the county, and from the neigh-
boring counties both in this State and Michigan. The
awards of premiums and reports of committees were.as fol-
lows:

LIST OF

PREMIUMS

HORSES.

Stallions over 4 years old—

1st best—Irvin Vincent, -
2d best—G. P. Rowell,
3d best—O. Stotts, =

ist best under 4—S. H. agian: - -

2d best under 4—Elias Purl,
3d best under 4—M. Stiver,

Ist best—Lewis Hoops, -
2d best—Isaac Abshire,
3d best—H. Pearson,

Draft Horses.

AWARDED.

Carriage Horses.

1st best—M. M. Latta, (donated to the society)

Second best—J. Stockdale,

Ist best—Dr. Kendall,

Single Horses.

2d best—M. M. Latta, (donated) .

3d best—A. Sparklin,

1st best—Conrad Cart, -
2d best—Peter Fetters,
3d best—J. Caton,

Ist best—Peter Fetters,
24 best—J. Caton,

James Caton, - -

Bull over 4 years old—
Ist best—Robert Alford,

Breeding Mares.

Colts under a year

old.

Best one year old Mare.

CATTLE.

- $3 00
2 00
- 100
3 00
- 200

Diploma.

- $3 00
2 00
Diploma.

1 G60
Diploma.

1 60

3 00

Under 4 years old—

Ist best—Wm. Vesey, - - - -

2d best—Wesley Carnell, - - -
Milch Cows over six years old—

1st best—Christopher Cart, = - - -

2d best—J. M. Cox, - - - :

Under six years old—
1st best—Henry Pearce, (donated to the society)
2d best—Thomas Todd, - - -
3d best—Benjamin Crary, - - c

Working Cattle.

Ist best—J. W. Violett, - - :
2d best—O. Stotts, - - : es
3d best—Thomas Van Horn, - -

Best breaking team, 7 yokes—
Samuel Hullinger, - = ss 4

Over four years old—
Ist best—Abshire & Blanchard,
2d best—Henry G. Davis, - - -
3d best—Violett & Latta, - - -
Under one year old—
Ist best—Matthew Rippey, - - -
2d best—J. W. Violett, - - °

Over two years old—

Ist best—Peter Fetters, - - - -
Under two years old—

lst best—F. F. Funk, - - -
Pigs under nine months old—

Ist best—L. P. Knight, - - - -

FARM IMPLEMENTS.

Plows.

1st best—No. 5 Long’s Patent, George P. Rowell, -

2d best—D. H. Cline, No. 4 Long’s Patent, -
3d best—G. P, Rowell, same patent,

~ $3 00
Diploma.

- 3 00
1 60

- 200
1 00
Diploma.

00
- 200
00

- 3 00

'
me mw Ww
SS

ts)
eS
cS

ww
S38

Two-Horse Wagon.
Ist best—G. W. Warner, - = 5 5 $

2d best—Thomas Miller, . = “ =
Farm Gate.

lst best—Abner Blue, - - - = 3
FRUIT.
Apples.

1st best—Stern EK. Bronson, - - s i

2d best—B. F. Cathcart, = = £
Pears.

lst best—Sterne Bronson, - - = u

Qd best—J. W. Violett, - - - - 5
Peaches.

Ist best—J. Andrews, - - - -
Grains.

1 00

lst best samples Wheat, Polish, China, and Soule, David Cathcart, 50

Corn.
Best red and white, M. Stiver, - - - .
Best Tappannahanock, J. Loner, - - -
Best red and white Pop, F. Olay, - - =,
Bunch Beans.
Best variety, J. Freeman, - : 5 =
Potatoes.
Best Sweet Potatoes, M. Stiver, - “ “
Best Irish Potatoes, S. Dierdoff, - - -

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Coverlets.

No. 1, Mrs. L. Sherwin, - - = =
No. 2, Miss C. Martin, - - A 3
No. 3, pine 4 2

- 50

Diploma.
- 25

- 50

Diploma.

Quilts.
No.1, Mrs. Noble, (no premium, not manufactured in the county.)

No. 2, Mrs. D. Howell, - - - - = 2 “ t5
No. 3, , = = - - - Diploma.
Linen
Mrs. D. B. Mather, (donated,) - - - - - - $1 00
Carpet.

Mrs. Sherwin, > - - - - ; - 1 00
Mens’ Caps
Mrs. Vesey, - - - - - - = «1 60
Harness.

A. B. Grubb & Co., (donated) - - - = . 15
Saddles.

No. 1, W. Lightfoot, (no premium, not manufactured in the county.)
No. 2, A. B. Grubb & Co., (donated,) - - - x a. ak OO
Stoves.

No. 1, F. F. Clark, (donated) - < = s ms 15
No. 2, Wm. Shepherd, - - - - - 4 a 50
Leather.

J. Fitzpatrick, - - - < - ES - Diploma.
Rope.

Mr. Staver, - - - - - - > Diploma.
Horse Shoes.

No. 1, A. Brown, - - - - - 2 = 95
No. 2, J. Derry, - - - & = ‘ ua 15
No. 3, N. Odell, - - - - = ~ 4 = 15

Mr. Bottorff, = - = - " !

Diploma.

J. M. Hopkins, - - - - - - - Diploma.

Butter.
Mrs. A. Blue, - - - - - - - - 25
Fur Hat.
J. W. Walker, - - 7 - - - - Diploma.
Breast Chain.
M. Bashor, - - - - - - - - Diploma.

Cabinet Furniture.

No. 1, B. G. Crary & Co, - - - - - - 100
No. 2, J. Truesdale, - - - - - - 50
Wine
No.1, Stern E. Bronson, . - - - - - 50
No. 2, Michael Bashor,~ - - - - - - Q5

J. H. Derreres,
Wa. New .t. Committee on Manufactures.
Wm. M. Doouitriez,

Ihe reports of the several committees ordered by the Board to be published,
are as follows:

REPORT OF THE DISCRETIONARY COMMITTEE.

To the President and Members of the Elkhart County Agricultural Society:

The undersigned, discretionary committee, whose duty it has been to in-
spect—awarding premiums or assigning diplomas for the same as the case
may require—all articles not classed among those coming within the province
of any of the regular committees, respectfully present the following as a re-
port of their action in the premises :

PREMIUMS AND DIPLOMAS AWARDED.

S. Brunson, for eight Poland Chickens, - - . - Diploma.
A. McCulloch, one red Turkey, - - - - Diploma.
Miss Benjamin Matchet, best collection of mineral specimens, - 50
Mrs. Rumsey, second best collection of mineral specimens, - Diploma.
Mrs. M. M. Latta, jar of preserved Peaches, - - - Diploma,
Mrs. Jewett, Oil Painting, - - - - - Diploma.
Mrs. E. M. Chamberlain, largest number Canary Birds, - - 30
Mrs. J. H. Mather, neatest bird cage, - - - - 50
Mrs. Truesdale, pair Canary Birds, - - - - Diploma.
Mrs. E. M. Chamberlain, best specimen Lemon tree, - - 5g

Mrs. K. G. Chamberlain, second best specimen Lemon tree, - Diploma.

John Fitzpatrick, Bear skin, killed and dressed in the county, Diploma.

Mrs. E. M. Chamberlain, specimen coral formation, - - Diploma.
Dr. Dunning, specimen cone from a Cedar tree, - - - Diploma.
Mrs. G. W. Fosdick, parlor show case, - - - Diploma.
Miss Eddy, elegant fancy Portfolio, - - - - Diploma.

Amongst a general variety in the line of fancy needle work, paintings,
drawings, &e. &c., might be mentioned some beautiful specimens which we
learn were deposited in the collection by Mrs. Irish, Mrs. Jewett, Mrs. A.
Blue, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Earl, Miss F. Smith, Miss C. Sherwin, Miss McClure,
Miss M. E. White, &c.; and the display in this line, together with that pre-
sented in the Horticultural department, the undersigned would especially
designate as being highly creditable to the skill, taste and handiwork of the
ladies of Elkhart county.

The committee would add that they have aimed to include in their umpir-
age all articles that can properly come within their province; but from the
neglect of persons exhibiting, to have things in all cases properly entered,
some may have been omitted.

Respectfully,

Rk. Lowry,

ABNER BuivE,

T. G. Harris, Committee.
S. H. Weysurn,

D. B. Martner,

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUIT.

The committee on Fruits, gentlemen of this Society, beg leave to congratu-
late you upon the display that has been made upon your tables in the Pomo-
logical department. Fruits have been here exhibited, gentlemen, which in
extent of variety and excellence of quality, far excel any of the exhibitions
of older countries, and of Horticultural societies of long standing. Apples
are here exhibited varying in size from that 20 oz. Pippin down to the little
red Romanite, the excellence of whose qualities, as tested by your committee,
defy competition. The best varieties of fall and winter Pears have been
shown, which in size and every good quality, are rarely seen in the eastern
markets, and when offered, are there grasped with avidity, at the most ex-
travagant prices. Grapes, too, almost the spontaneous production of your
soil, have here been exhibited of such size and beauty of appearance, and
richness of flavor, as well might rejoice the heart of Isabella Gibbs, that her
name is attached to such magnificent clusters. The superiority of fruits in
Elkhart county, gentlemen, is to be ascribed to the excellence of your climate,
the proper constituents of your soil, and above all to the careful and judicious
selection of the varieties introduced by her pioneers in the science of Horti-
culture. And here in the first report upon fruit in old Elkhart, should the
most honorable mention be made of Reaben Brunson, a zealous pomologist,

who early emigrated from Western New York to Ohio, thence to central Indi-
ana, and from thence to this county, where he was in advance of any other
in sowing the seeds and planting the varieties, the fruits of which this day
has been spread before you. He rests from his labors, and hasa place amongst
a few honored names in that standard work, Downing’s American Fruit Book.

Many various and important reasons might be urged, gentlemen, why the
cultivation of the best fruits should here be greatly extended. A full supply
for home consumption would add greatly to our happiness, and be one of the
best preservatives of health from the malaria which at times surrounds us.
We have a climate and soil that will ripen to perfection all the various fruits
of the temperate zone. The Newtown Pippin, the Virgulieu Pear, and many
other fruits of the first excellence which are failing in the eastern States, and
are there mourned over as lost, as old worn out varieties, may here be seen
blushing in all their pristine excellence, and produced too, by the easiest and
most careless cultivation. ;

Many in that less favored region are procuring at great expense, the various
chemical analyses of their fruits and trees, that they may restore, although at
great expense, to the soils of their orchards those necessary elementary con-
stituents of which they have long been exhausted ; and the prices returned
from the sales of a tree and others, well evince how amply science can be re-
warded, in combating the various difficulties of their fruit position. More,
however, in that region begin to admit that their Pomona’s occupation is
gone, and begin to turn their eyes to the virgin soils of the west for their
supply of fruits; and the prices offered in the eastern markets for the best
selections, from the best varieties, would surprise any one who had not previ-
ously investigated the subject. Besides, see in the central position of Indi-
ana, with her navigable waters, and the means of transportation now being
constructed in every direction around, the best facilities, the easiest, safest,
and cheapest access to all the other markets of the Union, the copper mines,
Minnesota and New Orleans. We need never fear that these various markets
will soon be glutted by the production of good fruit. The demand for such
ever has, in all countries, exceeded the supply. Should such, hovever, ever
be the case, modes of preservation have already been discovered, by which
the various fruits of Massachusetts and New York, of the growth of 1851,
have already been sent and tested in their full ripened freshness and excel-
lence in the markets of London, of Cuba, and of San Francisco.

In view of all this, and of much more that our limited time will not allow
us to mention, your committee would recommend to the farmers of Elkhart
county, no longer to allow the cultivation of fruit to be one of the subordi-
nate appendages of their agricultural operations. Let them avail themselves
of the instructions sought to be conveyed by the writings of a Downing, a
Thomas, a Barry, and other horticulturists of the age. Plant and cultivate
largely the various fruits, adopting them among the staples of their produc-
tions, and they will have the exceeding satisfaction of beautifying with their
orchards the whole face of the country, adding largely to the saleable value
of their farms, and of annually receiving a sum total for their products, such

as they would rarely be able to procure from the exclusive growth of wheat
or short horns.

In conclusion, gentlemen, your committee would award as follows: [See
list of premiums awarded.]

Much interest has been added to this exhibition, gentlemen, by the display
of fruits here exhibited by Mr. Elisha Osborn, an eminent cultivator of fruit
and fruit trees in the adjoining county of Cass, Michigan. He has excelled
any other exhibitor in the greatest number of the best standard varieties.
The extent of his varieties, together with the fairness and beauty of their ap-
pearance, have elicited the commendations of all observers. They beg leave
to recommend a special premium to be tendered Mr. Osborn.

Respectfully,

H. H. Fowzer,
AZEL SPARKLIN, >» Committee.
M. Weyreriesur,

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FARM IMPLEMENTS.

To the Elkhart County Agricultural Society:

The undersigned, committee on Farm Implements, respectfully report that
they have had under consideration the various farming implements presented,
and in their judgment award as follows: [See list of premiums awarded.]

The committee regret the very limited amount of farming implements pre-
sented for inspection ; especially they regret that none of the more improved
kinds of farming implements were offered for public inspection, such as Clo-
ver Hullers, Thrashing Machines, Wheel Cultivators for Wheat, Cultivators
for Corn, Seed Drills, &e. &c. The committee, however, flatter themselves
that a spirit of emulation will be excited among the people of Elkhart county,
by the present fair, which will, another year, bring forward and introduce to
public notice every useful farming implement extant, and also to show that
the people of Elkhart county are determined to come fully up to the standard
of improvement which the progress of the day demands.

CrpHas Dunning,
CuristiAN SHrock, > Commitiee.
S. Wesster,

Communications were read from different distinguished
citizens of the State, who were invited to be present at the
fair. The following from Dr. E. W. H. Exuis, as it contains
much that is encouraging to such enterprises is deemed wor-
thy of a place in this report:

Inpranapouis, Oct. 20, 1851.

Gentlemen:-—It would afford me great pleasure, did my official duties per-
mit, to mingle again with the farmers of old Elkhart on the interesting occa-
sion of their first Agricultural Fair.

Having been a resident of the county almost since its organization, I have
had the pleasure of marking its advancement, step by step, to its present high
state of prosperity ; and it has been peculiarly gratifying to me, in every
comparison made with her sister counties, to find that in fertility of soil,
variety of productions, and the enterprise and intelligence of her agricultu-
rists, she suffers no disparagement. Indeed the contrast presented in many
portions of the State most forcibly reminds me of the tasteful residences, ca-
pacious barns and granaries, and stake-and-ridered fences of your prairies,
the blooming orchards planted all through your forests, the school houses
scattered here and there for the convenience of all, and the healthful, happy
countenances of your young men and maidens.

The privations and toils of the early settlers, though fresh in our recollec-
tion as if but of yesterday, are happily surmounted. There is no more lying
down with the loaded rifle at your sides as some of you can speak of—no
more doling out of stinted rations to the family, until game could be secured,
or the father returns from the distant mill—no more following of Indian
trails from one scanty trading house to another—no more Wagoning your sur-
plus preduce an hundred miles to market. These are all past, and the ancho-
rite who comes to your borders to do pennance has mistaken his latitude. If
he seeks a field for unrequited toil, for suffering and privation, or, if reso-
lutely resolved on starvation, he must go beyond the limits of Elkhart county.
It cannot be done where barns and granaries are groaning with the products
of the earth, and where fields of grain are measured by the mile.

While it is gratifying to observe the impulse given to the cause of agricul-
tural improvement throughout the State, it is particularly so to see your
county leading off at the north with a zeal and determination that must result
in lasting benefit. Every profession has profited by association—merchants,
mechanics, lawyers, doctors and the clergy—and why should not equal ad-
vantages accrue to the farmer? In agriculture the humblest member may
contribute to the knowledge and gratification of all. He may introduce a
new variety of fruit—a new specimen of grain for culture—a new implement
of husbandry—a new cross of stock, or a new method of tilling the soil, and
thus add to the general good. Why, it is but a few years since an enterpris-
ing German from Pennsylvania settled on Elkhart Prairie, and in the face of
all opposition, cavil and doubt, declared that clover would grow on the prai-
rie. He verified the fact by successful experiments, and the annual crop is
now worth thousands of dollars, and the farmers every where, not only figu-
ratively, but literally, “live in clover.”

The meetings of your society, and your annual fair, not only enable you to
compare notes with each other, and thereby arouse a healthy spirit of emula-
tion, but attract visiters from abroad, and enable you to profit by their exam-
ple, their advice and their specimens. You promote a feeling of fraternity,

a spirit of friendship—and you encourage all, not to plod along as their
fathers have done before them, but to strive to excel in this noblest of all
professions.

In another year the State Agricultural Fair will be held at this point, and
it will afford me great pleasure on that occasion to see old Elkhart—for that’s
the name I always give her—fully represented ; not only by those who come
to see the products of others, but by those who can contribute to the interest
of the exhibition by the products of their own farms and workshops. On.
that occasion “the latch string will be out,” and we shall have such a re-
union as I trust will be gratifying and profitable to all.

Thanking you for your kindness,

I am very truly your friend,
E. W. H. ELLIS.

The annual address was delivered on the last day of the
fair by the Hon. J. R. Wii11aMs, of Michigan, and was one
every way worthy the high reputation of the author, the
theme, and the occasion. There had been two addresses pre-
viously delivered before the society, one by its President, the
Hon. E. M. Cuampertarn, and the other by one of its most
active and efficient members, Dr. M. M. Larra. These ad-
dresses will all be furnished in connection with this report,
if copies can be procured in season.

Our society was organized under the most trying and dis-
couraging circumstances. It seemed almost impossible to
awaken an interest in its prosperity among that class, whose
interest it was to promote. A few friends of the cause,
mostly engaged in other pursuits, kept it alive by frequently
meeting together and consulting in regard to the best and
most practicable means of enlisting the co-operation of our
farmers and thereby establishing the organization upon a sure
basis. No pains were spared. And after all our efforts, and
considerable expense, and though late in the season, the society
come to the conclusion there was but one experiment left, and
that was, the agricultural exhibition, the details of which are
given above. That was considered the turning point in its
prospects for usefulness, if not for life itself. Arrangements
were immediately made, though with many in great doubt as
to the result. If the society succeeded in getting up a pretty

good exhibition of live stock of different kinds, and a good
variety of the products of our soil, and could awaken a cor-
responding interest among our agriculturists and mechanics,
its foundations were considered sure and steadfast. I am
happy to say the first exibition and its results, were more than
realized. The premiums offered, amounted, in cash, to some-
thing like one hundred and fifty dollars. The cash awards
made were about one hundred dollars. The number of com-
petitors, with their articles for premiums, of course are not
shown in this schedule. There was a great increase of mem-
bers of the society and of course a corresponding increase
to the funds in the treasury, besides numerous individual do-
nations. The number of members is about one hundred and
sixty. After paying the current expenses, and the expense
of the fair, there were fifty-seven dollars in the treasury, and.
about eighteen dollars back on fee of membership. Forty-
five dollars were received out of the county treasury in pur-
suance of the law.

I have thought it necessary to make this exhibit of the
financial condition of our society, to meet the requirements
of the law, and to preface them with the few explanatory
remarks for the encouragement of other counties about form-
ing agricultural societies.

I shall endeavor to answer the questions propounded by the
State Board, as far as my information will admit, and in their
order as near as possible, and in as concise a manner as is
consistent with my obligations and the nature of the informa-
tion sought for.

1. Wueat.—tThis is the most important product of Elkhart
county. The statistics of the last census shows its amount
in the aggregate at one hundred and seventy-five thousand
two hundred and eleven bushels, being above all other coun-
ties in the State, except Laporte, and nearly equal to that
when we take into consideration the amount of land under
cultivation. We have the usual varieties in wheat growing
districts, among which I will enumerate what we call the

Wabash, the Red-chaff bearded, several kinds of White-flint,
the Early-ripe, the Hutchison, (which I think is the New
York White-flint, it being christened among us after the name
of the man who introduced it,) the Club, the Mediterranean, the
Soule, the White Blue Stem, together with some new varie-
ties lately introduced, such as the China, Polish and the Aus-
tralian. You may put down the last six kinds, under the
denomination of new varieties. In regard to the best of
those kinds which have been thoroughly tested among us, I
answer with a great deal of diffidence, as every farmer,
according to experiments, location, soil, manner of tillage:
&c., has his own opinion, and what I have to say will be but
the opinion of one out of thousands. I am safe in saying
this, however, that all kinds, from some cause or other, dete-
riorate or “run out” after many years saving, some sooner
than others. The Wabash is a smooth chaff red wheat, and
has stood the test well. The Red-chaff bearded, next. They
are still favorites with many, after ten or fifteen years’ trial.
The old varieties of White-flint are considered unsafe and
are not in vogue to any great extent. The Harly-ripe is a
red wheat which prevails to a considerable extent under dif-
ferent names in the north part of the State, and, though
yielding a very fair increase, is sown principally on account
of its early ripening qualities. It is generally the first, though
sown at the same time with others, that falls before the sythe.
The Club wheat has been cultivated among us for seven or
eight years. It is a beautiful variety of white wheat, and for
several years uniformly produced the most abundant yield.
The straw is of a rich gold color, its head when fully ma-
tured and perfect, is formed by three rows of grain on a side,
rounding off at the top like a club, from the similarity to
which in shape, it derives its name. It was introduced into
the county by an old gentleman by the name of Peleg
Brown. He brought it from his former place of residence,
(mixed with other wheat,) near Cleveland, Ohio. Many of
our best farmers think it still the most productive variety ex-

tant. It stands the winter well, but is more subject to the
ravages of the fly than many other varieties. It does the
best of late years on new ground. The Mediterranean stands
the fly well, but the rigors of some of our winters, poorly.
It weighs more than other kinds, but turns out less to the
acre. But what is worse than all, our millers uniformly dock
us so much on the price of this wheat as to drive it out of
use before any general practical test was made of its produc-
tive qualities. Our merchants will not purchase it at all for
shipment in bulk. The Hutchison has proved very produc-
tive, equal many seasons to the Club. The grain resembles
the latter wheat very much in size and color, but it is of the
bearded class. The heads are long, and when perfect, shows
three rows of grain ona side. The Soule and White Blue
Stem have been lately introduced among us. They are of
the white species, smooth chaff and are recommended as very
productive. The grain is large and heavy; of the two, so
far as they have been tested, the latter seems to be in most
favor; the White Blue Stem, I may safely say, promises to
crowd the old varieties out of use. It was first introduced
into the United States through the Patent Office, while under
the charge of that eminent citizen and agriculturist of our
own State, Hon. H. L. Ellsworth. In the report of the State
Agricultural Society of New York, in which State it was
first tried, it is recommended as the best and most productive
variety in cultivation, uniformly taking the premium at all the
county fairs. The China and Poland wheat were procured
from the Patent Office, by Mr. David Cathcart, an enterpris-
ing farmer of our county, and put in circulation last fall for
the first time. So far as he has tested them, he is well satisfied
with their yield. But further experience is necessaay before
we can speak of their adaptation to our soil and climate.
The Australian wheat was sown for the first time in our
county last fall. It was brought from New York city by
Messrs. Mercer and Thomas, two of our merchants. It is
said to yield on Long Island, sixty bushels to the acre. If it

insures half of that with us it will be enough to bring it into
immediate and general use.

I have given at some length the varieties of wheat now in
use among us, and it now remains for me to answer the
other questions of the Board in connection with their culti-
vation.

The most general and approved plan of preparing our
ground is by summer fallowing; every other mode is an ex-
ception to this general rule among wheat growers. If time
and duties permit, the manure goes out on to corn ground in
the spring; if not on to the corn ground, then on to the
summer fallow, and plowed in with the first stirring imme-
diately after corn planting; it is then pastured until the
month of August and stirred the second time, lies a week or
two, sowed and the wheat either plowed in with the cultiva-
tor, shovel plow, common plow, or harrowed in, between the
first and 20th of September. If the ground is stirred three
times, and plowed deep, and the wheat put in early, with a
drill or a cultivator, it is all the better. And a still better
plan is, to have your fields so laid off, that by regular alter-
nate cropping of grains and clover, you can be able to put in
your wheat crop upon a clover sod every year. With this
kind of tillage, with what manure could be added, our lands
would grow more and more productive. The quantity of
seed averages about a bushel and a peck to the acre; some
sows more and some a little less, according to the nature of
the soil and time of sowing. The average yield of the crop
in our county last year could not have fallen short much of
twenty bushels to the acre. Our prairie and thick timbered
lands went as high as from twenty-five to thirty bushels,
while our openings ranged along between ten and twenty
per acre. Our time of harvesting now is much earlier than
it was ten or twelve years ago, for what reason I am at a
loss to determine; it begins the last of June and extends to
the middle of July. The wheat is principally cut with the
cradle, bound and shocked in the usual manner. It is suf-

fered to stand four or five days according to the State of the
weather, and hauled into the barn or stacked, unless threshed
with traveling machines in the field. Whenever or wherever
thrashed, it is always done with a thrashing machine, and the
straw thrown in piles for the use of stock through the winter.
The price of thrashing with two hands and half the team
furnished, ranges from three to three and a-half dollars per
hundred. The usual places of market are, wherever a flour-
ing mill is found ora dry goods’ store established in the
county—and they are not few or far between. Wheat is
purchased by merchants in Goshen, Waterford, Wyland’s
mills, New Paris, Benton, Middlebury, Bonnyville, Bristol
and Elkhart, consisting of the principal towns in the county.
Great deal of wheat is purchased at Elkhart and Bristol, on
the banks of the St. Joseph and on the line of the great rail-
road between the two lakes, and sent off to Rochester to be
manufacturd and christened for the New York market, as
“ prime Genessee flour,” and other brands of like import
which goes to outsell the home manufactured article in the
same market; of course, they buy nothing but clean white
wheat. All the surplus wheat and flour takes the outlet of
the St. Joseph river to Niles and thence to Detroit on the
Michigan Central Railroad, or to Toledo by the Northern
Indiana Railroad. The price of wheat with us was lower
last fall than it has been for many years, and would have
been a great deal lower had it not been for the completion of
the two railroads above mentioned. Fort Wayne and La-
fayette, before their completion, used to leave our wheat
market on the St. Joseph, in our county fifteen to twenty-
five cents per bushel, and last year while we were getting
from fifty-three to fifty-six cents for our wheat, their market
was ranging from forty to forty-eight cents. This will show
that the producing class is benefitted by these improvements
more than any other class of our citizens.

2. Corn.—The corn crop of our county was estimated
in the last census statistics, at three hundred and forty-two

thousand two hundred and thirty-five bushels. It will be
perceived at once, comparatively speaking, ours is not a corn
growing region, although from the amount of land devoted
to this crop we might favorably compare with some counties
in more congenial latitudes. The manner of preparing the
ground is to haul out all the barn-yard manure we can make
during the summer and winter, and scatter it over the field or
over the most unproductive part, if we have not enough to
reach further, plow the ground up early and deep, give it a
going over once with the harrow, lay it out into rows from
three to four feet apart each way with the shovel plow, plant
along the first part of May, from three to four grains in a
hill, cover tolerable deep, and then trust to the Lord for the
“early and latter rain” to send forth its green and tender
blade in due season. Some of our experimental farmers are
trying the effects of plaster on the hill as soon as the corn is
cleverly out of the ground; so far as it has been tried, it
works well; about a table spoonfull to the hill is all sufficient.
The corn is gone into, first with a harrow, sometimes a
two horse one—straddling a row, and sometimes with the
cultivator or shovel plow. The main thing is to get the start
of the weeds let the instrument be what it will, and to follow
it up through the whole season until you have exterminated
the whole number—and their name is legion. Good farmers
among us keep passing through their corn one way after the
other from the time it first comes up, without hardly any
cessation, until it begins to tassel out and shoot forth its ears.
I will mention in this connection, that an improved mode of
tillage begins to obtain among us, especially on heavy clay
soils, of plowing up our corn ground late in the fall, subject-
ing it to the fertilizing effects of freezing and thawing through
the winter, and then cross plowing in the spring followed by
the cultivation above described. Owing to the extraordinary
wet spring, followed by a long parching drought, our corn
crop the past season would average but little over half a
crop—say about twenty-five bushels to the acre. The varie-

ties used for seed is the common gourd seed, yellow and
white—the former preferred for fattening animals, and the
latter for table use. The yield is about the same. It was
selling last fall for twenty-five cents per bushel. From the
great scarcity I should think the price in the spring would be
about thirty-seven cents. We have no particular place of
market for this grain.

3. Oats, Rye anp Bartey.—Our oats crop is considerable,
being estimated at ninety-nine thousand two hundred and
ninety-nine bushels, excelled by only seven other counties in
the State. Weprefer sowing after corn, from one and a-half
to two bushels to the acre. I tried ten acres with two bush-
els and a-half and harvested’a dwarfish, spindling crop, which
satisfied me I had sown half a bushel too much. This crop
we put in early in April; if we don’t, we run the risk of a
poor yield. Last season owing to causes in the weather, I
have already stated, there was a short crop—in some locali-
ties a great deal of straw and but little oats; I should think
the average yield not over twenty-five bushels to the acre.
There is no particular mode for putting in this crop, other
than the one followed from the beginning; the ground is
plowed and the oats harrowed in, and harvested and thrashed
like our wheat, except that instead of curing it in the shock,
it is suffered to lie in the swath until cured, before shocking.
The price ranges from eighteen to twenty-five cents per
bushel. There is but little rye and still less barley raised in
the county—of the former but about fifteen thousand bushels
and of the latter little less than three hundred.

4. Grass.—In the first settlement of the county the opin-
ion predominated among farmers, that the chief reliance for
hay would be upon the wet marshes which skirt the small
streams and lakes in various parts of the county. Those
contiguous to the first settlements were therefore eagerly
entered, and their heavy, and to a considerable degree, nutri-
cious crops of wild grass converted into hay. For years no
other kind of hay was thought of, except “wild hay.” It

sold readily for three to four dollars a ton in our villages.
There was no certainty of ever having any other kind until
our low, heavy timbered land could be cleared out for that
purpose. As the early settler had to clear the uplands first,
to bread his family and grain his stock, the chance of having
timothy hay was considered in the far future. As wheat fell
from one dollar to fifty cents per bushel, our prairie farmer
began to feel the necessity of turning their attention to rais-
ing more stock, and an experiment of clovering a small patch
or so was tried, and to their astonishment, yielded a luxuriant
growth. From that it spread into our oak openings or bar-
rens where the idea of raising hay on their dry, sandy soil
was never dreamed of. But the experiment of the prairie
farmers became general all over the county; field after field
went down to clover, followed by about two or three pecks
of plaster to the acre, and the consequence is the land has a
little respite from the ceaseless round of grain crops which
was fast running them down, the wild hay of the wet marshes
has almost entirely disappeared from market, and in its place
may be found an abundance of the tame article for five dollars
per ton. In all our clay lands the practice is to mix the
clover with timothy or red top; it yields heavier crops and
is generally preferred. When we sow for fertilizing purposes
we put on clover alone with plaster; there should be about
five quarts to the acre, with one bushel of plaster the first,
and a half bushel every subsequent season; it ought to be
turned under in the fall after the third yearly crop, with as
heavy second growth as possible, and seeded down to wheat.
The average yield of our grass crop last season would be
about one and a-half tons to the acre. We have no methods
in vogue for fertilizing meadows among us, other than that
provided by plastering and manuring. I have no doubt but
what the greater portion of our marshes could be drained,
put down to tame grass, and furnish pastures that would en-
dure for ever, or crops after crops of hay without deteriora-
ting in the least. The benefit they have already been to the
5

first settlers of our county, in the way I have mentioned, is
incalculable.

5. Darry.—The average yearly produce of butter and
cheese per cow in our county, I cannot answer; I don’t think
there is a regular planned dairy in the county, and yet the
manufacture of butter for home consumption amounts. to
upwards of one hundred and eighty-eight thousand pounds;
of cheese to little upwards of eleven thousand pounds.
There is none made of either article for exportation. The
price of butter in our villages is from six to ten cents during
the summer and fall; in the winter it brings trifle more.
The prospects, with our railroad facilities, and the increase
of grass lands, are, that butter making and packing will soon
assume a prominent. place in the business of farming. The
price of cheese is about eight cents per pound; the most.of
it is imported.

6. Neat Carruz.—tThe cost of raising cattle until they are
three years old, is from eight to ten dollars. They sell from
twelve to fifteen dollars; cows, fresh milk, sell from ten to
fourteen dollars. The number of cows in the county, is
about four thousand; other cattle, six thousand.

7. Sueer anp Woot.—-There seemed to be great competition
in the purchase of wool among us last season. Prices ranged
from thirty to forty-five cents from native breeds. The con-
sequence was that the price of sheep went up from seventy-
five cents to one dollar and one dollar and a quarter a head.
As will be seen from the premiums awarded on sheep at our
fair, some blooded Merinoes have lately been imported into
our county by a few enterprising farmers on or about Elkhart
prairie. The Merino, crossed with native breeds, are consid-
ered the most profitable for wool and mutton together.
Number of sheep is put down at seventeen thousand; wool
at forty thousand pounds.

8. Hoas.—Hog raising in our county is but a small busi-
ness compared to other portions of the State. We export
but very little pork in consequence, the prices having of late

years been far from remunerating. The last season it was
up higher than was ever offered for exportation—from three
and a-half to four dollars, according to weight. We have all
kinds of breeds of hogs among us, but principally the long-
nosed pointer sort, with legs to correspond; the marauding
propensities of this “lean kind” make them easy to keep.
When it comes to“ root pig or die,” they carry the instru-
ment to do it, and when it is necessary to get over a fence
into their neighbor’s good things, they show a wonderful
agility in climbing in, and, if hard pressed with dogs or clubs,
in jumping out. But when it comes to fattening in a pen,
pouring in corn seems a waste of grain, as it takes an im-
mense quantity to lay even the hair; that being the nearest
idea of grease you can gather from their looks after a month’s
feeding. But, added to all their running qualities, thank
Heaven, they are fast running out. The Ryefield is taking
the place of this Infield sort, with a mixture of Berkshire,
China, &c. The pork business, with our increased facilities
of transportation, must rapidly augment from this time on-
ward. The number of hogs raised in the county is about
thirteen thousand.

9. Poratrors.—Our potatoe crop is rising of fifty-three
thousand bushels. We raise but few sweet potatoes. We
have among us a great variety of Irish potatoes, among
which I will mention the Mechanock, common Red, Blue and
White Pink Eye, Peach Blossom, “ Whig Potatoe,” Kidney,
Galena, Cow Horns, Merino and Rohan: The white Me-
chanock is the general favorite, if untouched by the rot; they
seem more subject to that disease than any other kinds, which
has lessened their cultivation very much in the last few years.
Our potatoe crop the last season, like our corn and oats, was
but little over half a one. I got but about seventy-five bush-
els off the same ground which yielded one hundred and fifty
the year previous. The average yield in'a good season I am
not able to tell. We generally aim, if possible, to get our
potatoes on to our newest land. If they do not turn out as

much to the acre as on old well manured ground, they are
certainly great deal better flavored. The potatoes generally
raised down in the southern part of the State, in this respect,
are not worthy to be named on the same day with those
grown on our new sandy soil. The market prices for the
last three years have ranged from eighteen to twenty-five
cents per bushel. It is the belief, they will be worth thirty-
seven cents in the spring, and perhaps more.

10, Frurr.—lI shall say but little on this subject in addition
to what is said in the report on fruit, submitted to the society
on the day of our fair, and published above. A good variety
of fruit is the chief pride of our agriculturists. And our
young and beautiful fruit trees, to be found on nearly every
clearing, whether of late or long standing, is no less the ad-
miration of the stranger, than the pride of the settler. To
such an extent has this variety of the choice fruits in America
been promulgated and cultivated among us, that for several
years back, our young men have made a profitable business
of carrying the scions frem our thrifty trees by loads, into
the southern part of this State, through parts of Ohio, Mis-
souri, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, grafting as
they went wherever they could get jobs of the kind to do.
The benefits thus conferred on the fruit growers of other
localities, by the diffusion of our unsurpassed varieties of
fruit, are incalculable. Our orchards, as a general thing, are
just coming into a full bearing state. Last year our expec-
tations of an abundant crop were sadly blasted by the severe
freeze we had late in the spring, and which was so destruc-
tive to fruit over all the western S tates.

In conclusion permit me to give my opinion, that since the
application of clover and plaster to our lands, the fertilizing
qualities of these ingredients have imparted new vigor to our
soil and new hopes to their cultivators. Under our system
of cropping, we could not close our eyes against the fact
staring us in the face upon every year’s experience, that our
lands were running down. . By alternate cropping with grass,

69.

and the application of all the manure we can gather, we not
enly check the decrease in fertility and product, but we are
enabled to turn our attention to more profitable business than
raising grain, and that is in raising of stock, or dividing our
attention between the two. All kinds of stock, horses, cat-
tle, sheep and hogs have advanced in price to a considerable
extent, on this ground mainly—especially young animals.
An ordinary suckling colt last season would sell readily for
twenty dollars, that two or three years back would not have
brought fifteen dollars. It is not unfrequently the case that
aman with a pretty good brood mare is offered twenty dol-
lars for the chance of the colt as soon as she is known to be
with foal. Good work horses range from sixty to one hun-
dred dollars. The number of horses among us is rising of
three thousand. With the present attention paid to this de-
acription of stock, this number will soon be doubled. It is
my opinion also that as our farmers become more able, they
improve in the general management of their farms. Give us
a little more age and we will equal, according to our natural
and artificial advantages, in all the substantial elements of
wealth, any county in the State.

The county was organized in 1830, and the population at
that time was but nine hundred and thirty-five; since that
time it has increased twelve thousand; showing upwards of
sixty-seven thousand acres of improved land, with the value
of real estate over two millions of dollars. The face of the
country is generally undulating, embracing every variety of
soil and timber, all but.a small portion first rate land. Half
of the county is covered with heavy timber, such as beech,
maple, walnut, hickory, poplar, oak and cherry; the remain-
der is oak barrens or prairie. It might surprise some to be
informed that considerable of our walnut lumber is sent into
the New York market. The county enjoys water power in
all directions to an unexampled extent, the most of which is —
improved as fast as the wants of the people require. Noth-
ing is wanting now among us but a good system of common

schools, where every man’s child can be educated,—the circu-
lation of useful agricultural papers and books,—the further.
encouragement of the State in behalf of this great and long
neglected interest, and the hearty, zealous co-operation of our
working men in the efforts of that society which now submits
its first annual report for your consideration.

C. L. MURRAY, Secretary.

ADDRESS

Delivered before the Elkhart County Agricultural Society, by Hon. E. M. Chamber-
lain, August 2, 1851.

Mn. Eprror : —In submitting the following extract from my hastily written;
address to the press for publication, in compliance with the vote of the Elk-
hart County Agricultural’Society at its last meeting, I regret that I have not
had time to revise and prepare it more suitably for the public. But so it is,
and I therefore submit it without correction or alteration, excepting in the
eurtailment of a portion of the introductory, and less practical part of it.

Very respectfully,
E. M. CHAMBERLAIN.

And now, fellow citizens of Elkhart county, let me congratulate you upon
the fact, that in the organization of this society, you have taken the.first step
in a movement calculated more effectually to promote your true interests,
than any thing else that could be done. Elkhart county is, in a peeuliar
manner, an agricultural county, and this step has been taken in the right di-
rection. Our success, and the great benefits to be accomplished, must depend
upon our perseverence. And in order to attain that end, we all have some-
thing todo. We all can do something. And if we all do all we can, ulti-
mate success will be certain.

Before entering more in detail into a consideration of the snenpfia obejcts..
we seek to accomplish, allow me to at least call your attention to a few facts.
relative to subjects of a more general character, which it seems to me our far-
mers in northern Indiana have already too long and too generally overlooked.
Have we not: confined ourselves too exclusively to a single article of produc- ;
tion? Could we not, even under the circumstances by which we have been

71°

sutrounded, more profitably have devoted a less proportion of our soil to the
growing of wheat, and by diversifying our productions, insure an increase
both of the certainty and amount of the reward for our labor? In our soii
there is a great variety. Has not Providence designed that its productions
should be equally varied? Undoubtedly. And this fact is attested both by
the diversity of our wants, and the adaptation of our different soils to differ-
ent products. Why then persist, year after year, in an effort to raise wheat
from a soil more peculiarly adapted to some other product, such as corn, or
rye, or barley, or hemp, or flax, or grass? and perhaps fail in the effort three
times in every five? Will it be replied that it is because there is no market
for any thing but wheat? If so, the best remedy I can suggest is, still again
to multiply the diversity of your products, and turn them into horses, cattle,
sheep and hogs, wool, yarn, cordage, thread, cloth, beef, pork, lard, butter,
cheese,—any of the thousand different articles which the wants of man
require, and to which the markets of the world are open.

Again—let me ask, is it not time for us, now at any rate, to give good heed
to these things, when by the improvements which are going on all around us
and in our midst, to increase our facilities for reaching those markets, we
may select whatever market-we choose, east, west, north or south.

And even if our soil is not adapted to a great variety of products, the ex-
perience of others, of which we may avail ourselves, and scientific research,
have placed it in our power to know exactly what kind of manure and cul:
ture are requisite to give it this adaptation. Our country abounds in excel-
lent publications of every variety, full of experience, and knowledge, and
wisdom on these subjects. And I regard it as among our first and most im-
portant duties, to take measures for the diffusion of this knowledge, by the”
circulation of these publications every where. I trust that before the next
anniversary of the organization of this society, every member of it will be a
subscriber to some agricultural paper. We must, if we sincerely regard our
own true interests—we must avail ourselves of the aid of this mighty auxili+
ary, the press, which is now throughout the civilized world so happily enlist-
ed in the cause of agriculture.

We must not, because this year and last year we have been blessed with
abundant harvest, we must not therefore conclude that it is our own skill that
has made it so, and that the cause of agriculture is prospering and progress-
ing well enough in our own hands, without this aid from other sources. No,
possibly for the next three years, the same crops, under the same degree and
kind of culture, may fail. And it is the part of wisdom in us, by heeding
her suggestions, to prepare for and guard ourselves against such an emergency
as well as may be, by multiplying the kinds of our productions ; adapting
our crops toour soils, and by proper manuring and culture, even adapting
our soil to such crops as would be most profitable to cultivate.

To acquire and enable us practically to avail ourselves of all this know~
ledge, is indeed the primary object of our organization.

In this first attempt at a public address to our society in its present incipi-
ent state of existence, I think, so far as anything like a detail of our firet

duties are concerned, I cannot more appropriately suggest them, than by re-
iterating here some of the questions propounded to us for answers by our
State Board of Agriculture. These questions suggest subjects for inquiry
and consideration of most manifest importance.

1st. Wueat.-What are considered the best varieties in use? State the
methods of preparing the ground—preparing the seed—time of seeding—
quantity of seed used per acre—average yield per acre—time of haryesting—
manner of securing the crop—usual place of market—prevailing price during
the present season—remedies for Hessian flies, and Wevils.

2p. Corn.—Name the favorite varieties in use—the manner of preparing the
ground—time of planting—number of times and depth of plowing—average
product per acre, and cost of production—place of market, and prevailing
prices during the present season.

3p, Oats, Rykz, anp BaRLey.—State the quantity of seed used per acre for
these several crops—the average yield per acre—the prices paid during the
present season.

Ara, Grass.—In making meadows, what grasses are esteemed the most val-
uable? State the quantity of seed used per acre—quantity of hay cut per
acre—cost of production per ton—places of market—prices per ton during the
present season—methods of fertilizing meadows.

Stu. Daimy.—What is the average yearly produce of butter or cheese per
cow—comparative cost per pound of making butter and cheese—treatment
of milk and cream—mode of churning—of putting down butter for market—
average prices of butter and cheese.

6ru. Neat Carrte.—What is the cost of raising till three years old—usual
price at that age—value of good dairy cows in spring and fall?

In connection with the subject of the dairy and neat cattle, let me read you
a brief extract or two from a letter from the Hon. Amasa Stetson, an eminent
farmer and dairyman of the State of Maine. These extracts are in answer to
the following among other questions :

Ist. What number of cows do you keep?

2d. Their quality and breed ?

3d. Your mode of selecting them?

4th. How many pounds of butter do they average a year?

5th. How many quarts of milk will make a pound of butter?

7th. How do you dispose of the refuse of your dairy, and what is its
value?

8th. How do you keep your cows ?

Srerson, June 29, 1850.

Dear Sir:—I received yours of the 14th inst. by due course of mail, pro-
pounding a series of questions in relation to the profits and management of
my dairy. I should, with pleasure, have answered it before, but being
obliged “to hold the plough or drive,” I have hardly found till now, a rainy
day, in which I could spare the time to write you.

lst. I keep fifty cows and heifers—which number I have kept for two
years past.

Qd. My cows are mostly of native breed, and about an average of native
cows as to size. Their average value is $25. I have a few half Durhams;
but, so far as I have had experience, the Durhams are rather ordinary milkers,

3d. My mode of selecting cows is, to purchase the best I can find for sale,
paying as high as forty dollars for a single cow, if I am satisfied she is a
good milker, and not too old. I have raised some cows, and I used frequent-
ly to buy heifers; but I think both bad economy, as a general rule. You
must wait too long for heifers to come to maturity. A cow does not yield her
full flow of milk till she is at least six years old—and the difference in the
profits of a cow from six years old to nine, and of one from three years old
to six, will more than pay for a good cow. I know of no rule by which to
select cows for milkers: but I have learned by sad experience to rely mainly
on my own judgment. There are some general points, however, that may be
relied on, such as small head, slim neck, rather light fore-quarters, deep hind-
quarters, well spread, good sized teats, and well apart—and, by all means,
yellow skin.

4th. I cannot answer definitely, from the fact that we use what butter,
milk, and cream we need in our large family, and only keep an account of
sales from our dairy. Our family averages at least twelve, beside transient
company, and we consume at least the products of four cows. In 1848 my
sales amounted to $1,581 31—in 1849, to $1,511 08. My cows averaged the
third week in June, present, a fraction over 714 ths. of butter each—the
fourth week, ending this day, 8 tbs. each.

5th. It will take from 8 to 10 quarts of milk to make a pound of butter,
and about half the quantity to make a pound of cheese.

7th. The buttermilk and refuse milk we convey in a spout from the shop
and cellar, to a vat in the pig pen. Its value depends much on the price of
pork, say $4 00 to each cow, at least enough to pay all the girls’ help about
the house and dairy.

8th. I keep my cows at pasture, during the season. I usually give them
in the fall, after the full feed becomes short, one half-peck to a peck of pota-
toes each, daily—with pumpkins enough to give the milk a good color.

In this answer of Mr. Stetson there are several matters worthy of special
notice. First, the profit and productiveness of a skillfully managed farm,
even in the comparatively inhospitable climate of Maine. Secondly, the in-
dustry and economy, the practical observation and strict application which
are essential, and when attended to are only essential to certain success.

Tra. Suzxp anv Woor.—Are large or small sheep more profitable, either
for mutton or for their fleeces? Cost per pound of growing coarse or fine
wool. Is wool growing profitable?

8ru. Hocs.— What are considered the best breeds, and the best methods
af putting up pork, and curing bacon and hams—prices of pork and bacon du-
ring the present season?

9ra. Hexwr.—What is the average yield per acre, and cost of production per
pound?

107rx. Poratoxs.— Name the most profitable varieties—common system of
planting, tillage, and manuring—average yield per acre—cost of production,
and market prices during the present season.

llr. Feurr Cuttrure.—Name the different varieties of fruit—the methods of
cultivation—the quantities produced—the best varieties to keep for winter use,
or for exportation—the usual prices in market—the best methods of trans
planting, budding, grafting, cc.

127. Som, Trmper, &c—State the prevailing character of the soil of the’
county—the crops to which it is best adapted —the different kinds of forest
trees. Ise the land mainly rolling or level? What portion of it (if any) can-
not be brought under cultivation? State what is regarded as the most profita-
ble rotation of crops. What are the different kinds of farm crops, or agricul-
tural productions? Have you any reliable information or statistics of the
aggregate annual amount of any staple products sold, or produced in the
county? If so, give the same. What are esteemed the best manures, and the
best time and manner of their application.

137x. Wer Lanps, Iaprovements, &c.—What methods are used in ditching
or draining and reclaiming wet lands? What is the best and cheapest method 7
Have any considerable improvements been introduced in your county during
the past two or three years in the modes of farming, in the kind of crops, in agri-
cultural implements, or in stock ?

These inquiries are full of practical suggestions, which if properly attend-
ed to, cannot fail both to communicate valuable information to the State
Board, and to lead our own attention to the investigation of facts which wil)
give a new impulse to the interests of agriculture among us.

The second section of the act for the encouragement of agriculture, points
out the means relied upon for rendering our organization efficient. It pro-
vides for the award of premiums, as the direct stimulus to action, and ie a8—
follows :

“Sec. 2. That it shall be the duty of the several county or district societies
which may be formed under the provisions of the preceding section, during
the continuance of this act, annually to offer and award premiums for the
improvement of soils, tillage, crops, manures, improvements, stock, articles
of domestic industry, and such other articles, productions and improvements _
as they may deem proper, and may perform all such acts as they may deem
best calculated to promote agricultural and household manufacturing interests
of the district, and of the State ; and it shall also be their duty so to regulate
the amount of premiums, and the different grades of the same, as that it
shall be competent for small as well as large farmers to have an opportunity to
compete therefor ; and in making their awards special reference shall be had to
the profits ES ae may accrue, or be likely to accrue from the improved mode
of raising the crop, or of improving the soil, or stock, or of the fabrication of”
the articles thus offered with the intention that the premiums shall be given
for the most economical mode of improvement; and all persons offering to

compete for premiums on improved modes of tillage or the production of any
erop or other article, shall be required, before such premium is adjudged, to
deliver to the awarding committee a full and correct statement of the process
of such mode of tillage, or production, and the expense and value of the
game, with a view of showing accurately the profits derived, or expected to
be derived therefrom.”

To carry the object here aimed at into effect, the duty devolves on the di-
rectors of the society, of appointing awarding committees for judging the
different classes of articles offered in competition, and awarding premiums for
the same.

But we must not conclude, gentlemen, that our duties all terminate with
the mere external organization of our society. It must have life, energy, soul.
It must be animated and moved by that internal vital principle, without
which all the mere dead forms we may weave upon it, will only amount to 50
many inert incumbrances, which in the end will but accelerate its dissolution.
To this end we must bring to-our aid intelligence—science, whose light having
now penetrated almost every department of nature, and opened the store-
houses of her hidden treasures, has filled the civilized world with all the
brilliant discoveries and improvements which have in a very few centuries
past so astonishingly changed its condition, Agriculture has felt its energi-
sing power. The same amount of labor once required to support a single
family from the soil, will now support a whole community. And in the same
ratio that.improyements have been and are made, in the same ratio they may
still and ever progress, indefinitely.

We shall hence learn to give more heed to the cause of education generally, _
than we have done. We must educate our sons and daughters with a view
to this great end —the development of the means of true progress in all
things involving our interests, and this great interest more than all. All
other interests will necessarily follow in their order.

I hope it will not be deemed out of place, if I here, press ‘this subject—the
cause of education—upon your special attention. How strangely, in relation
to it, haye the ends and aims of the civilized world been perverted. If we
educate a son, it is with a view to establishing him in some profession; if we
educate a daughter it is to the end that she may be a lady—or in other words,
that both may learn to shun, if not despise, the arts and habits of industry.
We shall never come right on this subject till we set out under the full con- .
viction that every farmer and mechanic should be thoroughly educated. Then
we may safely leave the professions to take care of themselves, and my word |
for it, there will then be less drones and vagabonds to infest society. AD
good education i ig not all that is necessary to enable a man or a woman to fill
their appropriate sphere in society—that is, what is commonly called a good
education. But this should be added : a good education, with a knowledge
of the, arts, and habits of industry. _

Our children, then, if their genius and circumstances naturally prompt
them to it, can much more readily acquire the seyeral professions, if needs
be, after they have learned how to work, than they can learn how to work, if

needs be, after going through a course of almost aimless indolence, they have
acquired a smattering of some profession.

Allow me, gentlemen, in conclusion, again to congratulate you, and our
fellow citizens of Elkhart county generally, upon the commencement of the
great work you have undertaken, and the auspicious circumstances under
which it has been commenced. May this work go on and prosper in your
hands, to that state of fuller development and maturity which we are all so
well convinced our highest happiness and prosperity demand.

ADDRESS OF HON. JOSEPH R. WILLIAMS,

Delivered before the Elkhart County Agricultural Society, at its first annual Fair
at Goshen, Saturday, October 25, 1851.

Mz. Presipenr, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE ELKHART Co. AGRICULTURAL SociEty :

This is all wrong. I ought not to be here. You ought not to have invited
me here. A miller ought not to be invited to address farmers on their peculiar
employment. Each trade or pursuit should be taught and impressed practically
by its own followers. Each man should not only be an inquirer into all the
arcana of his own pursuit, but should be a teacher and a master. However,
at great inconyenience to myself, 1 consented to appear before you; for who-
ever does not feel an interest in agriculture, does not feel a sympathy with hie
race; whoever does not regard the condition and progress of agriculture as
vital and important, is indifferent to the comfort, the civilization and the pro-
gress of mankind. I should as soon think of regarding with indifference the
genial influence of the sun and the showers, or the purity of the atmosphere
we breathe, as to be indifferent to the condition of agriculture. I offer you
my aid and sympathy, however feeble, although I can hardly claim to be
practically a farmer. A few months since I was inquired of, if an agricultu-
ral society was organized in the county in which I reside? I answered, no.
We were waiting for the farmers who had the most directly at stake, to move
and organize. If you wait for that, said the inquirer, and he was himself a
distinguished farmer, you will wait forever, for I never knew a society formed
that was not started by traders, professional men, county officers, &c., while
the farmers came in slowly. This is shameful, if true; and doubtless, too
often shamefully true. I care not under what auspices your society is organ-
ized. I congratulate you on its existence. Here let me exhort every man
within hearing of my voice, to co-operate in the work before you with earnest-
ness, with sincerity, and a mind open to the reception of knowledge. It is a
melancholy fact, that while the followers of nearly every other pursuit have
been eager to adopt every new principle or discovery, and vied with each other
in the acquisition and trial of every new invention, the practicers of the great _

77
trade of trades, the great science of sciences, the great art of arts, agriculture,
have too often wilfully closed their minds to instruction, and the reception of
knowledge. When we see a fellow being bereft of sight or hearing, our liveli-
est sympathies are awakened ; yet many of us walk around the world doggedly
closing our eyes or refusing to exercise half our senses, half our faculties, and in
fact the recipients of no more true knowledge and ideas, than though half our
perceptions were lost. The law by which all perfection is obtained, is your
law. That law is perpetual study and ceaseless toil. Whoever teaches that a
farmer leads a charmed life, and is exempt from the performance of every
rigid duty, like other men, teaches folly and a falsehood. Look in the water,
it will reflect you back in symmetry and strength, or in deformity and weak-
ness, just as you are. So you can neither gain nor lose respectability by your
profession, but only from the fidelity and dignity with which you pursue it.

It would give me the most pleasure to consume my hour in the discussion
of some single topic. But this is no place to convey thorough, detailed in-
struction. It is a place, however, where we can spur, and prompt, and stimu-
late and encourage each other. Suffer me therefore, to throw out desultory,
practical hints. The studying, and the thinking, and the working, you must
do elsewhere. Learn to learn—learn to work without waste—learn to study ;
then the farm you tread upon, the home you live in, will afford a field more
prolific in instruction than the library, the gallery, or the museum.

Listen, then, to hints rather than an elaborate essay. I scorn rhetoric and
flattery on the one hand—I hope to escape dullness and discourtesy on the
other. I shall try to speak truths.

First, I regard it as the duty of farmers to have more communion with each
other ; to make and to seek opportunities to compare and communicate with
each other. Mechanics work in close proximity to each other. They are ail
the time engaged in sharp competition. They profit alike by each other’s
blunders or each other’s successes. Merchants meet each other hourly in
erowded thoroughfares, and on the exchange. What one knows, all can readily

‘know. Inevitable failure and ruin often follow an obstinate adherence to an
eld track, when time, toil and expense are saved by the adoption of the new.
Not so with farmers; necessity does not throw them together. They have
few chances for consultation, and still fewer chances for correction of blun-
ders. It takes a whole year to correct a single error. But few experiments
can be tried in a lifetime. An error in planting the crop, is an error which
may plunge the farmer into pecuniary ruin. How much it becomes us there-
‘fore, to consult everywhere, with all men, and on every fitting occasion, that
we may be guided in all our enterprises by all existing light and knowledge.
There are men, it is true, whose converse with nature is richer in instruction
than the teachings of men. A man can study a lifetime in a single garden,
and delve only on the surface of the great mysteries of nature. It is true that
each farmer walks every morning into a vast palace, compared with which the
erystal palace is mere tinsel—a bauble. Each trembling dew drop, glistening
on the tiniest spire of grass, rivals in brilliancy and exceeds in usefulness the
great diamond, Ko-i-nor. Realities are all around him—not the shams—not

the impostures—not the hollow artifices of the great city. Each breeze brings
‘freshness, fragrance, vitality, and is rarely laden with pestilence. Each exer-
‘tion which affords vigor to the arm, by sympathetic action communicates vigor
to the intellect. Thus health ought to clothe the whole man. Yet living
among such glowing scenes, operated upon by such instructive and healthful
influences, farmers as a class, take the world over, in their habits, opinions,
and aspirations, have most doggedly tramped and wallowed along on the dead
level morass of complacent conservatism. If farmers had constant and unre-
mitting communion with each other—if each mind was open—if each faculty
was sharpened—each mistake promptly corrected—each agricultural invention
communicated, explained and understood, farmers would be marked by the same
characteristics as the most keen, energetic and vigorous in any other pursuit.
Fortunately fairs, periodicals, discussions, are supplying the schools which the
exchange, the counting room, the store, the workshop, the street, the wharf
and the deck perpetually supply to other men.

It is of no use for any man in any walk of life, in any pursuit, to hope for
success, unless his views of the objects of life are well considered and rational.
Success cannot be measured by accumulation of wealth. Mere accumulation
may cost health and peace ; then, such success is punishment, such success is
poison. There is a worm inthe core. Accumulation may be attended with
ceaseless and harassing anxieties and cares. It is then just as far from being
success. The man who earns three hundred dollars per annum, and saves a
quarter of it, and has a sounder mind in a sounder body on the thirty-first day
of December than he had on the first day of January, is an independent and
successful man. The man who has an income of $10,000 and expends $11,000
is a slave, and draws behind him a chain of trouble as heavy and exhausting,
as the clanking chain of iron. ‘A ploughman on his legs is higher than a
gentleman on his knees.” The man who goes to California and procures his
tens of thousands, is not successful if there or on his homeward voyage, he
incurs risks which deprive him of it all; or if his frame is penetrated with
diseases which shorten a miserable existence, or if he incurs habits of idleness,
recklessness and extravagance, which render him an object of scorn, instead
of respect, forever after. Poor he may return, and penniless, yet if he retains
health, has profited by experience, has a clearer vision and higher capacity for
the future, then he is successful. That man is successful in any calling whose
desires fall within his income—who is able to render every work of duty a
charm and a pleasure ; who measures the respectability of his pursuit by the
spirit and dignity with which he pursues it: who, with a cheerful temper and
a clear head, keeps a mastery over his business and over himself; who is not
whirled into the delirium of rapacity or ambition ; who rejoices in the triumph
of his genius, his energies and his will, rather than in acquisition of gold, or
empty applause, and whose home is a home indeed, glowing with all the asso-
ciations which cluster round that old familiar Saxon word, home, instead of a
waste, a prison house, or a broker’s shop.

The first object of a farmer should be to secure a home. A homestead in
this country is within every man’s reach, even in youth. It may be that to

_ obtain it early, a man may be obliged to sacrifice some idle habits, some vani-

_ties, some frivolous cravings. The acquisition of a future home should be
an object of greater pride than riding and shooting, smoking, chewing, drink-
ing or dressing. To this object his time should be devoted by an iron rule,
varied only by the exercise of a rational discretion. If a man goes to a show
on Monday, fritters away his time on Tuesday, because it storms or looks like
a storm, goes to a political caucus or some jubilee on Wednesday, and in-
volves himself in a law-suit on Thursday, I humbly opine he has only Friday
and Saturday left to devote to his duties. But I pledge you my word that
such a man, so desperately driven, (for human nature cannot stand everything)
will have a pain in the head, or a pain in the toe, or be sick all over, on Fri-
day or Saturday. It may be asked, should a man have no leisure—should he
be always a drudge? Oh,no. He should, however, regulate his own affairs

_ before he regulates the affairs of the nation; he should take care of his own
independence, before he crows much on the independence of the nation. I
fancy 2 commonwealth will not perish, whose every citizen is independent,
and his affairs well ordered and thrifty. A man’s business and family should
be of primary importance. Pleasures, pastimes, festivals, neither profitable
perhaps, nor instrucive, should be of secondary importance. Duties at home
should be observed first, calls abroad last. Leisure must be earned berore it
is enjoyed. ‘Fly pleasures and they will follow you.”

It is no less important that a man’s family should be guided by a rational
policy, than that he should be so governed himself. If a man’s wife grasps
everything she craves, irrespective of ability to pay for it—if she seeks to
deck the head instead of store the brain—if she prizes the ring upon the fin-
ger more than the muscle of the arm, and the delicacy of complexion which
attends idle effeminacy, rather than the ruddy bloom of health which cheerful
exertion yields—if she supposes that distinction and respectability consist in
dress and complexion, and furniture, and idleness, and not in a hearty devo-
tion to every womanly duty, in doors or out of doors, at home or abroad, if
such are the views of the wife and family, the man will never prosper. If a
man have such a wife, he may as well leap from the bridge, or fly to Califor-
nia. His nose is on the grindstone, and he will never get it off. He is
doomed forever, to debt, embarrassment and despair. He may as well pitch
to some familiar tune the lamentation in Job, “Man is born unto trouble, as
the sparks fly upward,” and habitually hum it as his morning melody and
his evening chant. I think I hear a murmur from some fair captious hearer,

“he would make us all slaves.” Far from it. Be a woman, instead of a
piece of animated millinery. Be a woman, instead of a bauble. Be a crea-
ture of capacity, of thought, of action, of life. Follow out these ideas, and
your children will not prove mere danglers, your boys popinjays, your girls
toys ; but you will leave behind you, living, active, sentient beings, to cheer
and animate the world, instead of drones to burden it.

I would not deride either beauty or accomplishment. What I detest is,
that on the altar of vanity, a home shall be sacrificed, a husband rendered
bankrupt, the best capacities of our nature destroyed. The truth” ‘cannot be

concealed, that too many farmers are ruined by their families. On the other
hand, the instances are numerous, where the farm is saved, and the husband’s
ruin averted by the energy, industry, and thrift of the woman at home.

The institutions of many of the States happily render the homestead sacred.
Neither the heartless and brutal grasp of rapacity and extortion, nor the rude
brush of misfortune, nor fell disease, nor sudden calamity, can deprive the
family of a homestead once honestly acquired. There is one spot in which
the family can nestle, one secure resting place, allowed by the Providence of
God, and sanctified by the laws of man- That spot should be made more
attractive than all other haunts and resorts. The more comfortable and
healthy, the more cleanly, the more fascinating to the eye it is rendered, the
more firmly it is protected and girt around, the more it will be cherished.

Our countrymen, too many of them, are restless and migratory. Although
we are nearly all emigrants, I think you will agree with me that one migration
is enough. It would become us as a people to heed the wisdom contained in
the doggerel of Poor Richard,

“T never saw an oft removed tree,
Nor yet an oft removed family,
That throve so well as those that settled be.”

When a man buys and sells residences, and rudely severs their every cling-

ing agsociation, as he buys and sells horses, and vessels and merchandize, he
sacrifices many of the liveliest charms of labor, conquest and possession.
a man pitches from abode to abode, with no more affection than the crow in
its flights, rests now upon one dry limb and then upon another, his labors
must be aimless and cheerless, and he voluntarily deprives himself of much
of the keenest satisfaction which life and trial afford. One of the first objects
then of a farmer, should be to secure an eligible farm, which he is willing to
cultivate, develop, embellish and enjoy as a home in the most comprehensive
sense of that term.

Horticulture is embraced as one of the objects of your association. It is
too much neglected. While a few pursue it intently and as a passion, the
many neglect it. Before urging this topic upon your attention, let me say,
if it will afford any encouragement, that I personally made a critical compari-
son of the fruits and vegetables exhibited at the recent State Fairs at Roches-
ter and Detroit, and I could not avoid the conclusion that the fruits of Michi-
gan excelled those of New York in beauty, health and perfection, though noi
perhaps in variety. The samples however in both cases were mostly exhibit-
ed by amateurs and nursery men. They should have been poured out from
every farm house. Many a man leaves a waste around his dwellings, when
if he heeded the suggestions of interest, health, taste, or comfort, he would
surround himself with a garden and an orchard. Fruit should be cultivated
for profit. No expenditure will enhance the value of a farm so much in pro- —
portion to the outlay as the investment in an orchard. Fruit is a cheap luxury.
The tree is growing, while we are sleeping. Once planted, with trifling, but
continaous care, and the bestowal of odd hours from time to time, the orchard
rapidly matures. One prolific year repays the whole expense. I last year

raised more than two hundred bushels of delicious fruit, apples, pears, plums,
peaches and grapes, in a garden of a little more than an acre, which six years
before had hardly a tree of cultivated fruit upon it. You need not fear that
the best of fruit will become a drug. The more abundant, the more certain
the channels to market. Let me remind you that before all of our children
are laid in the grave, cities which can be reached in twelve hours from any
part of this county will have grown up containing half a million of Inhabi-
tants, and affording insatiable markets for fruit. We can be prepared to fur-
nish those markets, and enjoy the perpetual profit, or reject it. Fruit should
be cultivated for health. Ripe fruit is nutricious, refreshing, and highly con-
ducive to health and longevity. In large cities during the prevalence of
cholera, and at critical periods, fruit is forbidden, not so much because ripe
fruit is deleterious, as because ship loads of fruit in great markets are gather-
ed and transported before it is ripe. It is rendered palatable by the mellow
of incipient decay, and not delicious by mature ripeness. Hence there is an
unpleasant ascidity, a toughness and staleness in the pulp of much of the
fruit sold in towns, which is not found in ripe fruit just plucked from the
bough in your own garden with all the glow and flush and plumpness of life
upon it. From your own garden you can enjoy a cheap and delicious luxury
which a townsman cannot purchase at any price. The cultivation of fruit
kindles a taste akin to a taste for the fine arts, and is eminently conducive to
refinement, and constantly prompts to the acquisition of varied, curious and
profoundly scientific knowledge relative to the laws of decay and growth,
the preservation, propagation and development of vegetable life. It will
render 2 home more beautiful, more genial, more attractive—an object I have
just endeavored to enforce. What different ideas do we instinctively form of
a country dotted all over with luxuriant orchards groaning under their abun-
dance, and a country whose roadsides present a dreary and sterile waste. Let
the orchards of a people rival in beauty and brilliancy that which was pic-
tured on the imagination of Milton when he described the garden of our first
parents.
« And higher than that wall a circling row

Of goodliest trees loaden with fairest fruit,

Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue,

Appeared with gay enameled colors mixt:

On which the sun more glad impressed his beams,

Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow,

When God hath shower’d the earth ; so lovely seemed

That landscape.”

Where the orchard of a century has grappled its roots, we believe the family
has grappled also. Owner and orchard we are apt to regard as venerable
portions of a venerable country, and the natural progeny of a state where
law and industry and taste bear sway.

Some refrain from planting orchards for fear of plunder. You should re-
member that the same brutal disregard of your rights, which tramples down
your crops, and robs your orchards, would rifle your pocket books, and plun-

der your granaries, if it could be done with impunity. Impunity is therule,
not decency, and honesty. If you wait till all mankind have manners, and
delicacy, and honor, you will cease to strive to fill your pocket books and
granaries, as well as to rear orchards.

If afarm is worth earning, and subduing, and adorning, and occupying
permanently, it is worth nursing and preserving. Perpetual improvement
instead of perpetual exhaustion of the soil should be the rule of every good
farmer.

The most fatal practical error committed by the farmers of our State, is
that of exhausting without repairing the soil. Our population should be
more deeply impressed as to the folly of recklessly pressing the soil to ex-
haustion. A majority of our farmers have ploughed, and sowed, and reaped,
till their fields now afford a lessened crop. The same process continued, and
they will soon afford no crop at all. We observe no proper alternation of
crops. We squander and waste great quantities of vegetable and animal
matter which ought to be restored to fertilize and fatten our lands. How
suicidal our present course is, is shown by a few considerations.

The soil is composed of organic and inorganic substances. The organic,
comprises animal and vegetable matter ; the inorganic, minerals, matter never
quickened by the principle of life. The inorganic matter entering into the
construction of either animal or vegetable life, is quite insignificant. After
burning, the ash that is left shows what is inorganic. The trunk of a tree
does not afford two per cent. of ash: wheat straw not seven per cent., and
the wheat itself not two per cent. The vegetable, eaten and digested, enters
into the composition of the animal: the animal, when mingled with dust,
becomes food for vegetable life. Life blooms, thrives, and decays, to become
again the renovating principle of new forms of beauty and life. Thus ani-
mal and vegetable life is perpetuated. The bones strewed upon the battle
fields of Waterloo and Austerlitz become manure for the crops of Belgium
and Austria. Horse and rider mingled in indistinguishable dust, become
food for the worm or the plant. The material carcass is worth most which
weighs most. ~

‘“‘Imperial Cesar dead and turned to clay,
May stop a hole to keep the wind away.”

It becomes us to recognize always this ever ruling and vital truth. Nothing
of an animal or vegetable nature, no bone, no offal, no dead animal, no de-
caying vegetables should be thrown into the running stream, or into the
public highway, or burned, or in any way wasted. In the village in which
I reside are several families who habitually throw offal, bones, and ashes, all
vital manures, into the streets, at more trouble than it would take to place
them on their gardens. Could the cabbages speak, they would be taught
better. A few days ago, in passing over the Michigan Southern Railroad, I
saw the carcass of a dead animal thrown into the woods, a nauseous and
offensive object to every passer by, while within a few feet was a fallow field,
in which it might have been buried and many rods of ground saved from ex-
haustion for years. During the same week, travelling by another conveyance,

I passed in a single afternoon as many as three farms, where the cattle were
fed in the public highway. The loss of such a miserable course is constant
and large. The highway is rendered filthy, and in the night time dangerous,
and the farmers lose all the advantages of yarding cattle on their own land.
I should not, however, call them farmers, for they will never be farmers, and
never own farms, till such a suicidal policy is abandoned. Justice requires
me to say, that in other parts of the State there are men who understand this
subject so much better, that they yard their sheep in hurdles on different parts
of their fields each night, in order to secure and extend the whole fertilizing
effect. All organic substances as well as barn yard manure should be covered
and if possible protected by sheds, till wanted for distribution. A large
share of the vitality of all manures is washed away by showers, or evapora-
ted by the heat of the sun. Constant attention to these facts will make one
man rich, while constant defiance of them will make another poor. The U-
S. Patent Report for 1850, estimates the annual impoverishment by neglect, of
one hundred millions of acres of land in the United States, at ten cents only
per acre, to be ten millions of dollars. You may start two young men in life
with farms of equal size, and equal fertility. One shall save and restore all
organic matter to his land. He shall not waste, burn, destroy, nor throw into
the running stream any of the elements which enter the composition of ani-
mal and vegetable life. The other shall take no heed of this great preserva-
tive principle. He shall crop the soil till his crops fail. He shall give it
rest, and plough deeper and crop again. He may alternate with exhausting
crops, but still the process of deterioration goes on. At the end of thirty
years, the farm of the one will bloom with fertility, his annual crops not di-
minished, and the owner a prosperous man. The farm of the other will be
barren, exhausted, and cheerless, himself as exhausted as his soil.

The assumption is sometimes made that this bottom land, or that prairie is
so constituted as to need no manure, no renovation. There may be fortunate
vallies, where, from the surrounding hills a periodical deposit is made in such
happy proportions as to insure perpetual crops. Such facts are full of in-
struction, warning men to do elsewhere, what is providentially performed in
such singular positions by the operations of nature. On the western side of
Prairie Ronde in the county of Kalamazoo, Michigan, there are now remnants of
heaps of manure, hauled into the woods by the first settlers, because the prairie
land was assumed to be too rich already. In other instances barns have
been moved away from the manure, instead of the manure from the barns.
Yet barn-yard manure contains a dozen elements promotive of, or essential
to the production of crops. Plaster, lime, ashes, salt, bones, are valuable
manures. Bones make phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid in an almost inap-
preciable quantity is as indispensable to the production of wheat as any
other ingredient. Did the farmers of Prairie Ronde who carried off the ma-
nure and wasted doubtless all the bones, and dead animals and offal, know
from a superficial observation of the soil, whether it was or was not destitute
of phosphoric acid or some equally subtle or necessary ingredient? The
Hon. Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland, purchased an exhausted farm. He had

it analyzed. It was destitute of this ingredient. He applied bone manure,
and raised twenty-five bushels of wheat where none would grow before. A
soil may be almost clear vegetable deposit, yet if destitute of silica, there
will not be consistence and strength in the stalks, insignificent as that ingre-
dient seems. In cotton wool, but one per cent. is ash, and silica is but one
twenty-fifth of that one per cent., yet it is a necessary ingredient. It enters
more largely into the stalks of the plant, however. An analysis of Indian
corn, (the whole plant, leaves, cobs and corn,) shows that it contains starch,
gluten, oil, albumen, casein, dextrine, sugar, water, silica, lime magnesia,
potash, soda, chlorine, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, alkaline, and earthy
phosphates. Every time you throw away a shovel full of organic matter, you
throw away some of these elements—some elements of the corn crop. I think
I hear some one inquire—‘“ what of all that? we cannot analyze our soils.”
That is true, but I can tell you what you can do. You can restore all vegeta-
ble and animal matter to the soil. You can stop much of the exhaustion.
Once knowing the great law by which life and growth is perpetuated, you
can obey and not defy it. In those countries of Europe where population
presses close upon the means of subsistence, the systematic preservation of
manures of all kinds, is carried to an extent to us almost incredible. As a
result, some crops have been doubled ; and although their lands have been
tilled for centuries, and although an ignorant boor, a mere piece of animated
machinery, may work with clumsy and miserable tools, yet crops are obtained
twice or three times as large as we obtain from the most fertile virgin soils of
the west. In this branch of agriculture we are far behind older and more
densely populated countries. The most obtuse observer must have noticed
that this country has made rapid advancement in many respects during the last
five years. The improvement is marked in the wide introduction of sheep,
and of improved varieties. Labor is diminished by the use of improved agri-
cultural implements. More care is taken in regard to breeds of stock, and
kinds of seed. Yet these advantages are partially neutralized and lost, by the
reckless neylect and exhaustion of the soil, which I have attempted to describe.

Another rule of action, no less important, which should be perpetually
borne in mind by the farmer, is a determination to plant no seed and propagate
no fruit except that which is tested, pure, sound and prolific: rear no breeds
of swine, sheep, cattle or horses, but such as are healthy, symmetrical, kind,
docile, easily nurtured and sustained ; and use no ploughs, drills, cultivators,
shovels or other implements except those by which the greatest amount. of
execution can be effected with the least physical exertion, and least waste of
man and beast. The profit or loss from the observance or neglect of this rule
of action is constant, perpetual, immense. Hereis a man who has some infe-
rior, foul wheat, which he proposes to use for seed. With a little cost and
time, not so much cost as the cost of his tobacco for six months, and not so
much time as he might fool away at the tavern in a week, he could procure a
pure, mature, clean, healthy article of seed. Suppose with his good seed he
should raise eight hundred bushels of pure and sound and merchantable
‘wheat, and with the foul seed should raise ten per cent. less of foul and in-

different wheat, worth ten per cent. per bushel less in the market, it would
make one hundred dollars difference in the value of the crop. Now, one hun-
dred dollars per annum will, in the course of years, make all the difference
between a rich and poor farmer ; all the difference between a lucky and un-
lucky farmer ; all the difference between your cheerful, contented, animated,
out-of-debt, full-faced feliow, and your growling, envious, malignant, litigious
fellow ; and it might make all the difference between a neat, educated, well-
bred family of children, and a ragged, ignorant, ill-bred family. I do not
mean to say that one hundred dollars annually, thus precisely saved, will pro-
duce precisely such results ; but I mean to say that the policy I indicate leads
to, and is capable of producing such results. Let one man take four hogs of
the pointer breed. He feeds them sixteen months, and they weigh two hun-
dred and fifty pounds each. His neighbor procures four hogs of the improved
breed. He feeds them twelve months, and they weigh three hundred pounds
each. One man’s pork has cost him four cents per pound, the other man’s
two and a half cents per pound. One makes a profit, the otheraloss. Hereis
a man who keeps five cows. They are cows, and all cows are cows. He
cares nothing for your Devons and Ayrshires. He shrugs his shoulders, and
says the milk pail breed is the breed for him. His cows are, however, raw-
boned, misshapen, wild looking, long legged beasts, which will hold his horse
along tug in a fair race. A neighbor has two fine limbed, silken haired,
healthy, gentle creatures. The last receives more income from two, than the
first does from five cows, and is subject to but two-fifths of the expense. A
farmer has a stock yard. He always has a pair of long legged, ill-broken,
ravenous oxen. They will not work well. They eat much and grow little.
His neighbor always has firmly knit, well broken, large, healthy, docile oxen.
It costs no more to support them, yet they do twice as much work, and for
beef or service would bring fifty per cent. more in the market. Take an or-
chard. Here is a man who at odd hours quietly pulls out his knife, and clips
a dead or superfluous limb. He restores a tree to symmetry here, aud eradi-
cates a mean and scrubby one there. He tests the fruit, and if good, but not
the best, he procures and grafts the best. He grafts one tree. He quietly
slips a bud under the bark of another. At the end of ten years, compare his
orchard with that of a neighbor, in whose estimation all trees are trees alike,
and one orchard groans under an abundance of delicious fruit, and the other
bears a precarious and stinted crop of indifferent, astringent and mean fruit.

The profit of farming is the small surplus over and above subsistence and
support. If a man raises an annual crop worth five hundred dollars, and it
costs him five hundred dollars, he may be a desperate toiler for life, neither
animated by pride nor hope. But suppose in consequence of the observance
of the principles I have tried to enforce, he earns six hundred dollars with
five hundred dollars expenditure. The whole result of man’s toil, his whole
condition, his welfare and his hopes are changed. The principle should be a
controlling one. Like produces like. There is no necessity of a man’s rais-
ing fine horses and poor cows, fine hogs and poor sheep, fine corn and poor
potatoes. Obey the same great law of nature, and all] can be improved alike,

harmoniously, and simultaneously. This great eternal law of nature is ruling
the growth and life of all around us. This law will act beneficially with
man, encouraging and blessing his labor and care, or if treated with defiance
and contempt, it visits him with fearful retribution. Fortune and luck smile
upon the successful, say the mole-eyed. The only fortune and the only luck
is obedience to this iron law. But to bring out the grand harmonious result,
80 grateful to the eye, so gratifying to the pride, so profitable to the purse,
assiduous, constant, unremitting attention is necessary. A great sculptor had
spent months on a work of art after it seemed to be finished. He had altered
a feature here, a muscle there, reduced a fulness in one place, had re-touched
the ear, the lip and the eyelid. A visitor jeered him on the waste of so much
time on trifles. “It is true,” said he, ‘that I have busied myself on trifles ;
but trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle.” Let farmers heed the
moral.

Cost may at first seem to be an objection. It soon ceases to be. The man
who practices on the principle of propagating from the best of seed and the
best of stock, soon perceives a great increase in the per centage of profit. He
will soon learn that he loses less among cattle by disease and accident, less
among crops by blight and deterioration. Such a farmer never needs to vex
and worry himself about a market for his surplus. His produce and stock
are always sought after. It is a certain and positive value, will always com-
mand the highest price, and always pay his debts. His lobor all counts, his
labor is all productive.

What I have here said belongs to the art of agriculture. There is an art of
agriculture, and a science of agriculture. The art consists in culture, in
handicraft, skill in known processes, in ploughing, ditching, and harvesting.
You may understand the art well. You may deem yourself perfect in it, may
have a brawny arm and an intelligent head, but I doubt whether you under-
stand the whole art. The first time you want a piece of ditching done, just
hire a professional English ditcher ; he will ditch two yards to your one, and
will do it neater, straiter, handsomer, than you can, and be less fatigued at
night than you are. At night you have learned a lesson from a clod-hopper.
Two years since a gentleman from a neighboring county went to the New
York State Fair. He considered himself an adept in farming. To him a
plough, however, was a plough. He witnessed the work of the most improved
ploughs and purchased two, expressly designed and calculated for such work
as he wished to perform. He has since informed me that he would not part
with them and resume the use of the old ploughs for one hundred dollars per
annum, Yet ploughing was just the part of his business he thought he un-
derstood. Though his plough was a good plough, the best plough was much
better. He learned something in the art of agriculture. Gen. Cass, in his late
address at the State Fair, alluded to the fact that when Elisha was taken from
the plough and called to a higher trust, he left twelve yoke of oxen in the fur-
row, Itis only by comparing the art of agriculture as it existed three thou-
sand years ago, that we can appreciate the progress of mankind. How mise-
tably feeble must have been the stock, how clumsy and wretched the plough,

where it took twelve yoke of oxen to make a furrow. How slow, too, must
have been the movements of such a cumbrous team. One yoke of oxen with
a modern plough, probably do the work faster and better. Even in England
at the present day it is not unusual to see three, or four, or five horses urged
by a driver, attached to a single plough. There is an almost incredible differ-
ence among men in what we erroneously consider the very simple art of agri-
culture. There is all the difference that exists between the Irishman who
pulled up the bean because it came up wrong end foremost, and put it back
right, and the man who raises seventy bushels of wheat on an acre of land»
or takes a seedling and transforms it into a northern Spy apple. In this de-
partment fairs, lectures, schools, periodicals, will teach much. With eyes,
and ears, and minds open, we can all learn of one another. In the art merely:
the handiwork of agriculture, the proudest can learn something of the hum-
blest. Not long since a man came to me to procure specimens and acquire in-
formation. He was the last man of whom I would have sought knowledge on
any subject. As we were walking he called my attention to some dead pine
trees. He observed quietly that if I would employ him, he would set out a
row of trees that would live. I observed that it was midsummer, and of
course it could not be done till another season. Oh, no, said he, midsummer
is the time for transplanting evergreens. He transplanted a row. They all
lived, and are flourishing. Yet this ignoramus, as I deemed him, was able to
teach me a lesson in an art which I supposed myself to understand. So all
the world over, even in the art of agriculture we can and ought to meet with,
compare with, and learn of one another.

But it is in the science of agriculture that we know little or nothing. The
most profound inquirer is superficial. The day will come when the Leibigs,
the Johnstons and Nortons will be deemed tyros in the grand science. The
Newton of agriculture has not yet appeared. The earth is a vast chemical
laboratory, few of whose operations we comprehend. Take a friction match
and draw it down the wall. It ignites. You take your gun, pull a trigger
and cause the explosion of a percussion cap. You take a seat in the chair of
the Daguerreotypist, and when the sunlight is let upon a polished plate your
image is almost instantly imprinted. Those operations are produced by a
few simple materials well known. Yet, do you understand it? No. But
you understand and appreciate the result. You go into a telegraph office, and
wish to correspond with a friend one hundred miles distant. The operator
by a few manipulations speeds your message and quick you have the winged
reply. Do you understand it? Oh,no! Yetall these results were brought
about by the use of a few elements, and by simple and known processes.
When the telegraph offices were first opened, I went with a lady into one.
The operator, for amusement, called on his friends along the line, asking idle
and playful questions. Quick as thought the electric answers vibrated along
the wires. She stood in mute amazement. The tear stood in her eye. “It
makes me shudder,” was the only remark. Yet every time we tread the grass
beneath our feet we trample upon an operation of nature as wonderful and
more inexplicable than that of the magnetic telegraph. Yet we do not shud-

der. After the surface of the earth has been for months congealed and sealed
up, the congenial influences of the same sun whose power in impressing the
Daguerreotype we deemed so potent and magical, educes from the dreary
waste, not pictures, but realities of wonderful beauty and variety, and causes
to thrive and flourish and mature the sustenance for hundreds of millions of
men, and the countless swarms of animal life. To cause the growth of a
single spire of grass, elements far more numerous are called into requisition,
chemical action far more inscrutable is going on. Do you understand the
occult attractions, affinities, combinations, which enter into the germination
and growth of a single seed or plant, or the tiniest shoot of vegetation? Do
you understand the delicate yet potent influences of light, heat, water, and
electricity? “Canst thou measure the sweet influences of the Pleiades?”
No; you are as ignorant of most of the influences which affect your crops as
the clod you tread upon. Of some of the appliances which stimulate, of
some of the acts which destroy, you know something, but know little. Yet,
strange as it may seem, we hear men often exclaim: ‘ I understand my busi-
ness well enough ; I want none of the instruction of your books.” Are you
warranted in such assumptions? No. You are guilty of impiety and blas-
phemy every time you utter it. You know little of the workings of nature’s
great laboratory. You merely delve upon the surface. You grope in the
dark. When the world had not yet recovered from astonishment at the dis-
coveries of Newton, he declared that he felt like a man picking up pebbles on
the sea shore, while the great ocean of truth laid unexplored before him. If
you understand farming well enough, I mean as a seience, you have fathomed
all the processes encased and hidden beneath the surface of the earth. You
are a wiser if not a humbler man than Newton, and to the question so sig-
nificantly asked, “Canst thou by searching find out God?” you can triumph-
antly answer, ‘“‘ Yes.”

Farmers of Indiana, when you scout the idea that by the agency of socie-
ties, books, fairs, schools and chemical analysis and investigations you can
be taught nothing in either the art or the science of agriculture, you are
wrong—wrong practically, wrong theoretically, wrong morally, wrong politi-
cally, wrong economically, every way wrong. You have the audacity to do
what no other class or profession dare to do. AlIl other classes of men are
eager, and laborious, and self sacrificing in the acquisition of knowledge. If
you would elevate your calling you must bring into requisition every aid and
appliance, like other trades and callings. Let every faculty be awake, let
every prejudice, and remnant of superstition be banished, and as a class of
men you will be healthier, wealthier, wiser, more cheerful, prosperous and
happy. I say as a class. The individual may suffer. Every age, every
trade, every sect or party in religion or politics, has its experimenters, its
charlatans and its martyrs. I know not by what law the tillers of the soil
are exempted from the frailties, or follies, or blunders of common humanity.
If they wait for some new revalation, some dispensation of a superior power
to enable them to float on the tide of progress without incurring risk or fail-
ure—if they expect to be so inspired whenever they embark on the great field

of invention and improvement, that they can arrive at perfection without ex-
periment, at perfect utility without loss or expense, they forget the universal
lesson taughi alike by bitter experience and the inflexible laws of nature.
I submit whether the steam engine, or magnetic telegraph were perfected at a
blow, under any specific dispensation that saved the inventors from loss and
ridicule. So far from it, ruin and disaster, worldly persecution and disgrace,
the prison and the stake have been the fate of the greatest benefactors of the
race. In the giant progress and conquests of man over nature, I think the
professors of agriculture, the great science of sciences, can afford to assume
their share of the labor, sacrifices and expense. I grant sometimes they may
incur ridicule and disaster. They may be stigmatized as theorists, visiona-
ries, book farmers. In pursuit of experimental inquiries, a few squash seeds
may now and then be lost; an animal may be injured ; a tree destroyed ;
even a whole crop may be diminished or destroyed, but I humbly submit,
whether in consequence of such occasional results, any man or set of men
shall remain self-doomed dunces the remainder of their days. If I remember
rightly, when the stroke of lightning knocked Franxur over, he did not
cease to experiment on electricity ; and when the first steam boiler blew up,
Warr did not cease to build steam engines.

There are times in the progress of every art and science, when one man is
right, and all the world besides, is wrong. The world test him and his pro-
jects by experience of the past. The inspired genius uimself is guided by a
beacon light far in advance of his generation. If conservatism is right any
where, it is wrong in agricultural inquiry. The first man who took the first
wild plants and roots and began to mature them into rice and wheat and pota-
toes, was a visionary. The first man who took the wild crab apple and the
bitter almond, to mature them into delicious fruit, was doubtless a laughing
stock. The first man who put salt upon his provisious in order to save his
family from starvation, was regarded as throwing away positive labor for
possible good. The first fence was doubtless viewed with indignation, as an
encroachment on the common rights of mankind. The man who had the au-
dacity to shut up the first pig under the silly idea that he would fatten faster
and cheaper, was as big a fool as a member of a modern agricultural society.
Many of my hearers can remember the unmeasured ridicule heaped upon the
first cast iron ploughs. The laborers of Belgium use to this day a clumsy
kind of sickle to harvest wheat. At the first introduction, they would proba-
bly sneer at and reject our strong, light, efficient cradle scythes. At the ex-
hibition of ploughs and the ploughing match of the World’s Fair, we have a
fine practical illustration of the instantaneous adoption of a great practical
improvement, and the vast benefits of exhibitions and competition. John
Bull declared our ploughs too light, too weak, incapable of performing the
requisite quantity of work. John Bull had a prejudice against Jonathan’s
ploughs. The last result John ever imagined; was that he should ever cease
to sail the fastest ship on the ocean, or guide the fleetest and neatest furrow on
the land. The modest man only sought supremacy on both land and sea. At
the close of the ploughing match a sturdy ploughman threw out the Ameri-

can plough which he had used, and remarked: ‘TI care not what the decision
of the jury may be ; that is the best plough on the field, and the one which
ought to he adopted.’ Numbers were sold on the spot, and a British plough
manufacturer immediately took measures to secure the patterns. The great
American machine, McCormick’s Reaper, was derided at the World’s Fair by
the leading periodical of London as an ugly cross between a wind mill and
a flying machine. Yet tried before a world’s jury, it bore off the palm among
agricultural improvements of the age. Even the most scientific men of the
nation most advanced in agriculture, were inclined to frown upon this im-
provement, which may cheapen the cost of breadstuffs throughout all Europe;
no small gain in a climate where the greatest hazards and difficulties are in-
curred, not in raising, but in harvesting the crops; no small gain in an empire
where not a kernel of grain can be lost with impunity, and where more than
a million of people have perished of famine within the last ten years. It is
not impossible that one result of the World’s Fair, will be to cheapen the
bread of mankind, and in no small degree. by the introduction into the Old
World of the agricultural implements of the New World. Let the land annu-
ally ploughed in Great Britain and Ireland be estimated at thirty millions of
acres. If by the adoption of improved ploughs, but ten cents per acre is
saved, it would amount to the large sum of three millions of dollars. The
aggregate quantity of all grain consumed in Great Britain and Ireland may
amount to five hundred millions of bushels. Save only the small sum of
four cents per bushel by improved methods of harvesting, and it will amount
to the enormous sum of twenty millions of dollars. These almost inappreci-
able savings thus swell to a gigantic stream.

We have lately witnessed at the World’s Fair a proud and gratifying spec-
tacle. The citizens of our own country have received and deserved the re-
wards for one of the best ploughs, the best reaper, and the fleetest keel. The
nation sneered at as exhibiting specimens of progress only in rugged utility,
has borne the palm for one of the most perfect implements for ploughing the
earth, the most perfect machine for gathering the harvest, and the fleetest
specimen of the world’s vast sail fleet, for bearing on the bosom of the great
deep and exchanging the productions of the globe. Yet if guided only by
mole-eyed experience and apathy, men would cling to old machinery and
implements. The marvellous improvements in the plough, the reaper, and
the ship, would remain unknown to seven-eighths of civilized mankind,
This is a triumph, not in the arts of butchery and desolation—not a triumph
in a hot, insane and brutal contest for victory on land or sea, but a peaceful
and bloodless triumph over our mother country in the arts which bear tran-
quility, and comfort, and health, and bread into every lowly dwelling of man.
Never since the noble and prophetic language of the immortal blind bard was
penned, has it been more fitly verified :

“‘ Peace hath her victories

No less renowned than war.”
We should not infer from our success in agricultural implements, that we
are ahead of other nations in other respects. In economical management of

manures, in neatness of execution, in the selection of seed and breeds of cat-
tle, horses, hogs and sheep, we are far behind Great Britain, Belgium, and
some other countries in Europe. We have here a singular illustration of the
manner in which intelligence affects the laborer on one hand, and want and
necessity on the other. The European laborer, pressed by the fear of want
or starvation, and hoping for little beyond mere subsistence, bends his ener-
gies to obtain by ancient methods and known appliances, and by the most
rigid economy and industry, the greatest possible amount for the current year.
His strife is to keep soul and body together. The American, on the other
hand, with cheap land all around him, cheered by a certainty of adequate
support, stimulated by hope and ambition, takes a prospective view of his
condition, studies to abridge his toils, has more disposition and better oppor-
tunities to try new experiments. Hence his success over other people in this
branch of agriculture.

I fear I am becoming tedious, and must draw toaclose. I have endeavored
to make my remarks suggestive and stimulating, if not instructive. If I have
aroused one mind to renewed activity, impressed one vital principle of action,
exploded a single prejudice, and more especially, if I have convinced one in-
credulous, mistaken, or presumptuous man that there is no resting place in
the progress and development of agricultural improvement, then my labor is
well repaid. We have all been accustomed to hear men say, “It is enough to
plant as my fathers planted, to plough as they ploughed. Any man can sow
the seed, and hoe the crop. Any man can harvest. I want no book farming
about me.” Had our forefathers so reasoned and so acted, we should have
been barbarians. There is one kind of man that can consistently so reason.
Show me the man so dead to all human sympathies that he can deliberately
stand up and say that he owes nothing to the past for the high state of civili-
zation in which he lives, for the protection afforded by good government, for
the genial comforts of a secure home, for the treasures of intellect and wit,
and discovery, stored up in the literature of his age, who acknowledges there-
for no debt of gratitude, and who spurns the obligation to transmtt these
priceless blessings to posterity, and then you show me a man who can with
consistency and without a blush, say that he knows enough.

It is but a few days since that I saw an assumption in a leading periodical
of a peculiar part of our own country, that history affords no record of a great,
refined rural population, where the mass of the laborers were not servile,
either slaves or serfs. Without suffering our minds to be melted with sorrow,
or inflamed with indignation at the remarks, let us reflect on the lesson it
affords. The broad assumption is, that labor on the soil is incompatible with
refinement of thought or manners, incompatible with intellectual development.
But the severest tests of the physical man in every other walk of life, have
as often strengthened as weakened the intellect, as often conferred dignity
and refinement, as coarseness of manners. The truth is, that every pursuit
which calls into action most of the faculties of man, should produce a har-
monious development. We frequently find this result in the sailor, the sol-
dier, the engineer, the merchant ; and in many portions of our own country

this happy result is verified in the case of the farmer. In times past, the
laborer, the tiller, the worker has been nothing but a miserable serf every-
where, as he is now in a majority of civilized countries. It has been some-
where pungently remarked in regard to the agriculture of Great Britain, that
the only part of the agriculture of that proud empire which had exhibited no
improvement during the last two centuries, was the laborer himself who did
the work. This is indeed a melancholy reflection, but too true. The elite of
all civilized Europe have been the titled aristocracy, the officials, the army, na-
vy, and more recently, merchants and trading classes. The farm laborer has
been laboring, from age to age, even without hope for any higher respecta.-
bility for his children. He could not acquire a spot which he could call his
own, a hearth-stone around which he could gather the charms and delights
of home. He had no Penates, like the ancient Roman, no household Gods.
In England to-day the farmer is generally the lessee of large tracts, and as
compared with the actual laborer, an aristocrat in a small way. Between the
exactions of farmer, landlord, and tax gatherer, little or nothing is left to the
toiler. It follows that the tiller of the soil is doomed to hopeless exertion, to
ignorance, to want, to extortion, and disease, with hardly a chance to escape
from associations calculated to render him coarse, if not brutal, ignorant, if
not besotted. Because looking over the surface of mankind, history tells
this lamentable, this unholy, this terrific tale, therefore the short sighted
generality is eagerly seized, that by a law as inflexible as a law of nature,
such must be the eternal fate of the tillers of the soil, including yourselves.

One half century will afford a different demonstration. Enterprises like
yours, from the giant State Fair of New York to the humblest county Fair,
are promoting it. The emigrant westward of to-day carries a more cultivated
brain and as strong an arm as his predecessor. The improvements of one
longitude are borne rapidly to another by improved modes of locomotion,
and by the electric spread of thought and intelligence. If there never was a
great, refined, intellectual rural population, there will and must be one in our
land. Woe be to this nation if there is not. We live on the edge of the val-
ley of the Mississippi. That valley must be the centre of the civilization of
this hemisphere. The ideas and institutions which there rule must give
character to and rule the vast republic. These ideas and this character, which
will impress and control the body politic, must be those of a great rural pop-
ulation. In this as in all countries, by necessity, the agriculturists must be
a majority over all others. Ideas, ideas, now rule the world. The army of
the Czar, the purse of the Rothschilds, may shape affairs of the world to-day.
They may do it for next year or the next forty years, but the apparently im-
pregnable edifices of power erected upon them, are daily undermined by
ideas, by opinion. In our country the power of accumulated wealth, the
tyranny of corporations, the power of associated talent, conspiracies tacit or
open of great parties or sects, political or religious, against the weal of the
whole, are all powerless before the sway of ideas. It becomes then every
man devoted to agriculture to be responsible that his children and successors,
the posterity of himself and his neighbors, shall be enlightened. It becomes

him to be inquisitive and open minded himself. It becomes him to cheapen
production, abridge toil, instruct, refine, dignify and ennoble his calling; in a
word, to contribute his share towards shaping the destiny of the future rural
empire. It becomes him to do his share towards giving to the world a proud
and conclusive demonstration, that an agricultural people, can be a great,
powerful, resistless, and at the same time refined and intellectual people. No,
this homestead of the farmer, with the magnificent arch of heaven above him,
the magazine of untold mysteries beneath him, and ever changeful luxuriance
and beauty all around him, ought not to be, it shall not be, a cheerless prison
house, a curse instead of a charm.

FAYETTE COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE FAYETTE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Honorable, the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture:

The undersigned, President and Secretary of the Fayette
County Agricultural Society, would submit the following as
their report for the year 1851 :

Said society was organized on the 18th of October, 1851,
and on account of the late period of its organization, no ex-
hibition or fair was held, consequently it is impossible for the
undersigned to comply with the rules laid down by said
Board, but so far as the same can now be done, they now
report that said society consists of 146 members.

The Treasurer’s report shows the following to be the finan-
cial condition of the society, to-wit:

Cash paid on membership, - “ $103 00

Cash paid by County Treasurer, . - 45 00
Total, : ‘ = : 148 00

Paid expenses, - - $4 15

Loaned, - - - 130 00———134 15

Which leaves, - u #)\ Soe ee

There have been but three regular meetings of the society
and one agricultural address, delivered by David P. Holloway,
Esq., but no copy has been published nor has there been any
other correspondence or communication to the society rela-
tive to the objects of the society.

The principal kinds of agriculture are, wheat, rye, Indian
corn, buckwheat, oats, barley and potatoes, the aggregate
amount of each of which it is impossible to give—however,
an estimate may be had by the census returns of 1850:

Wheat. Rye. Ind’n Corn. Potatoes.
1850, bushels, 91,641 1,475 943,573 14,359
1851, re 92,000 1,500 100,000 20,000

The above comparison is made from our own knowledge
of the condition of the wheat, corn and potatoe crop. The
average of wheat per acre may fairly be estimated at twenty-
two and a-half bushels per acre, and Indian corn at sixty
bushels per acre. The price current for wheat has been, for
Genessee, fifty-eight cents, all other fifty-five cents; corn
twenty cents; other productions not given. The produce of
the county is principally sold at Connersville, from whence it
is shipped to Cincinnati via White Water Valley Canal.
Manufacturing (except flour) is yet in its infancy, a woolen
factory, and an iron foundery for the manufacture of stoves and
castings about comprise the number. The canal affords water
power for a large amount of machinery, yet unemployed.

Respectfully submitted,
JOHN SPIVEY, President.

D. W. We ry, Secretary.

COMMUNICATION FROM MR. M. R. HULL.

Axrquina, Fayette Co., Inp., October 25, 1851.
To the State Board of Agriculture :

In compliance with your request, I proceed to answer a few of the interro-
gatories in your circularof June 4:

1. I will answer your 7th question, namely: “ Are large or small sheep
more profitable, either for mutton or for their fleece ?_ Cost per pound of grow-
ing coarse or fine wool? Is wool growing profitable ?”’

I am unprepared to say, positively, that small sheep are more profitable for
mutton than large ones, but incline to the opinion, that the Spanish Merinos
are not less profitable than the South-down, or Leicester, for mutton. The
difference in their size, is not as great as most persons suppose. The Merino is
to the large framed sheep, what the China is to the family of hogs; they eat
but little and grow fat.

The cost per pound of growing coarse, is equal to the cost of growing fine
wool, since coarse sheep require more pasture and more feeding. Coarse wooled
sheep of our common kinds will yield about five pounds to the head, which in
this market will bring thirty cents per pound, ($1 50.) A well selected flock of
Spanish Merino sheep will yield an average of four pounds per head, which will
bring sixty cents at a wool depot in the east, ($2 40.) Hence, I conclude that
the difference in the price of the fleece per head, more than equals the difference
of price in the mutton market. The Merinos live toa more advanced age and
are the hardiest sheep now living.

Is wool growing profitable? To this I reply, that my observation teaches
more than my experience. I have known persons both in Pennsylvania and
Ohio, who have got wealthy by renting land and growing wool. One acre of
land will sustain four head of sheep per annum, which may be rented for three
dollars ; the four head will yield eight dollars worth of wool, and you have five
dollars to pay interest on the investment and to pay for a shepherd’s care. And,
since we consume 75,000,000 of pounds annually more than we produce, I con-
clude that wool growing is, and of course, must continue for years to come, the
most profitable business the husbandman can turn his attention to.

I have stocked my farm with Spanish Merino sheep, and hesitate not to
recommend all farmers who occupy the undulated lands of Indiana, ¢o do like-
wise. Itis profitable.

2. Your 8th interrogation relates to hogs, and reads, “* What are considered
the best breeds, and the best method of putting up pork, and curing bacon and
hams? Prices of pork and bacon during the present summer ?”

‘* What are considered the best breeds ?”’ ''o this, I reply without doubt, that
the Poland, crossed upon the Byefield and Russian, exceed all others for beauty,
size and profit. They are a good grass hog, and are sufficiently lively and

industrious to make a good living off of good pasture. They mature early,
have a small head, small ear, short neck, thick shoulder, long body and long
ham, and are capable of bearing more fat that any other kind we have had
amongst us. They are familiarly known here as the “ Warren county hog.’’
McGee of Butler county, drives no other kind of hogs, his droves have aver-
aged him more than 410 pounds for several years in Cincinnati. This kind
may be had in our neighborhood.

The best method of putting up pork of which I have any knowledge, is, to
cut and salt your pork in the common way; then make a brine strong as salt
can make it, and to each gallon of said brine add one pint of molasses, not for-
getting to put in a small parcel of salt petre. Cover the whole over with brine.
After your meat is sufficiently salted, hang it up and smoke it thoroughly with
hickory wood, then, when your hams are perfectly dry, (in commencement of
summer,) pack them away in barrels, in clean dry tan bark, black oak is prefer-
able ; have it fresh from the bark-mill. This process secures the hams against
skippers and against souring, and makes your meat more pleasant than any ever
eaten. The barrels should be headed up and put away in a cool and dry
situation.

Bacon through the summer, in this county, has been from seven to nine
cents. Pork at this date, sells for five dollars per one hundred pounds.

3. Porarors.—Y ou ask to know “the most profitable variety?’ I make it my
atudy to select the best of everything I grow, both animal and vegetable. I
have tried the Irish-grays, the Mechanocks, the Pink-eyes and the Big-blues,
The latter is as well tasted as either, grow much larger and the yield more
abundant. If you have no new ground for potatoes, turn up your oldest sod
and you will not fail to havea good yield, if you till well, and plant but four
eyes toa hill. Hills, eighteen inches by three feet.

[ take pleasure in communicating, and anticipate much more in reading your
report.

Respectfully, ——
- R. HULL.

HENRY COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE HENRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
President of the State Board of Agriculture:

The undersigned, in pursuance of instructions from your
Board, respectfully submits the following report of the or-
ganization and operations of the Henry County Agricultu-
ral Society.

A society of something less than thirty members was form-
ed at a meeting in Newcastle, on the 20th of September, a
constitution adopted in conformity to the plan proposed by
the State Board, and the following officers elected for the
current year:

Eur Murrney, President;

Strernuen Exniorr, Treasurer ;

Jno. W. Grusss, Secretary ;

With an efficient Board of Directors, consisting of one
member from each civil township in the county. Ata subse-
quent meeting of the society, the number of contributing
members was increased to 100; and active solicitors are now
engaged in still further adding to the membership and funds
of the society.

At the last named meeting it was resolved to hold a county
fair at this place in October, 1852—the precise time to be
fixed at the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

A most excellent spirit on the subject of agriculture and
mechanical improvements has been awakened in our county,
from which we anticipate good results. A spirit of emula-
tion and a desire for improvement, both as regards modes of
culture and tillage, as well as the introduction of the best
breeds of stock, prevails among our farmers; and a most
gratifying display is anticipated at our first annual fair.

Very respectfully,
JNO. W. GRUBBS,
Secretary Henry Co. Agricultural Society.
Hon. Josern A. Wricurt,
Prest. State B. Agriculture.

HENDRICKS COUNTY.

REPORT OP THE HENDRICKS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President of the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture:

The undersigned, Secretary of the Hendricks County Ag-
ricultural Society, would report :

That on the 23d day of August, 1851, a number of the
citizens of Hendricks county met at the Court House, in the
town of Danville, and then and there organized themselves
into a county agricultural society, under, and in accordance
with the provisions of an act of the Legislature of the State
of Indiana, entitled, “ An act for the encouragement of agri-
culture,” and agreeably to the rules and regulations of the
Indiana State Board of Agriculture. That at said meeting
a constitution was adopted, and signed by forty-nine persons,
(and many more since that time,) and the following persons
elected officers of said society, to-wit:

Enron Sincer, President.

Cuar tes Lowper, Vice President.
James M. Gree, Secretary.
Samuex P. Foorr, Treasurer.

And James T. Hadley, Isaac Clark, Richard Mendenhall,
Zachariah $. Ragan, Jehu Hadley, Mincher L. Cox, Jeremiah
Tinder, Charles Rose, William H. Darnall, Eldred Huff and
Asa S. White, Directors.

That no business of any kind whatever has been transacted
by the society since its organization, nor has the society re-
ceived any funds other than the tax required of each indi-
vidual member of the society, which is one dollar each.

Respectfully submitted :
JAMES M. GREGG, Secretary.

Danviuie, January 7, 1852.

KNOX COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE KNOX COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President and Members
of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

The undersigned, Secretary of the Knox County Agricul-
tural Society, would report that not having received or seen
the circular of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, will
have to be governed in the form of his report by a synopsis
of said circular found published in the Vincennes Gazette;
and in doing so the questions therein stated will be taken up
and answered in their numerical order, so far as the means
in my hands or my personal knowledge will permit. He
would further state that as to most of the questions he has
no certain data from which to form his answers, and that
therefore the answers will to a great extent be matter of
opinion. He would also suggest the propriety of the State
Board having regular tabular forms printed and sent to the
several county societies in the State, that they, at their regu-
lar annual meetings, may take order to secure correct infor-
mation on all necessary points, and thereby secure uniformity
in all county society reports.

1. Wueat.—The Blue Stem and old Red-chaff, bearded,
are considered the best varieties. There is no regular method
as to preparing the ground; some fallow; many sow in corn
and some on stubble ground. ‘Time of seeding, from the Ist
of September to the last of October, mostly about the Ist of
October. Quantity of seed per acre, from one to one and a
fourth bushels. Average yield per acre, on good fallow from
about eighteen to twenty-five bushels; on corn and stubble,
from ten to sixteen bushels. Time of harvesting, last of
June. Manner of securing crop, the old way, cradling, bind-
ing and stacking or mowing; there are but few reaping ma-

100

chines in our county. Usual place of market, Vincennes.
Prevailing price, fifty cents per bushel. Remedies for Hes-
sian fly, is late sowing; for Weavil, threshing and putting up
in the chaff, which if done in time is thought to be a sure
preventive.

2. Corn.—Manner of preparing the ground, some plow in
the fall and winter, and re-plow in the spring, but generally
the ground is plowed in the spring, then cross listed and
planted. Time of planting, from the middle of April to the
middle of May. Number of times and depth of plowing,
from three to five times and from three to six inches in depth.
Average product per acre, from thirty to eighty bushels.
Place of market, Vincennes. Price, from fifteen to twenty
cents per bushel.

3. Oars, Rvz anp Bartey—Quantity of seed for oats and
barley, one and a-half to two bushels; for rye, three-fourths
to one bushel. Average yield of oats and barley, from
twenty-five to thirty-five bushels ; rye, ten to twenty. Prices,
oats, twelve to fifteen cts.; rye, forty-five to fifty cts.; barley,
fifty cts.

4, Grass.—Most valuable, timothy. Quantity of seed per
acre, about one gallon. Quantity of hay, one and a-half to
two tons per acre. Place of market, Vincennes and Mays-
ville. Price per ton, six dollars.

5. Damy.—Average price of butter, ten to sixteen cents
per pound.

6. Neat Cartise.—Value of beef-cattle, three dollars per
hundred; as to balance, can’t answer.

7. Sueer anp Woor.—Not informed.

8. Hoas.—Best breeds, Berkshire and Byfield. Price of
pork, three to four dollars. Bacon, seven to nine cents per
pound.

9. Heme.—None.

10. Porarors.—Price, twenty to thirty cents per bushel.

Ll. Frorr Trees.—Can’t answer.

12. Som, Trmper, &c.—Prevailing character of soil, rich

101

and productive. Crops to which it is best adapted, corn,
wheat, barley, oats, tobacco and grass. Different kinds of for-
est trees, oak, poplar, walnut, ash, beech, dog-wood, red-bud,
sassafras, maple, hickory, &c. The land is generally rolling.

13. Country or Disrricr Socretres—The Knox County
Agricultural Society was organized August 18, 1851. The
board of managers consist of a president, vice president,
treasurer and secretary, and nine directors, being one from
each civil township, to-wit:

Hon. Samvuat Jupan, President.

Hon. James Witiutams, Vice President.
Wn. Tuornton Scort, Treasurer.

A. B. McKes, Secretary.

Abner Smith, Samuel Thompson, Samuel C. Wills, Simeon
Root, Daniel Lane, John Steen, Benj. V. Beckes, Joseph
Kimmons, and George Bond, Directors.

The society numbers one hundred and twenty members.
The society had a fair on the 15th of October, when some
fine specimens of horses, cattle, &c., were exhibited; and
hetween thirty and forty dollars paid out in premiums. It
was only designed as a beginning and but few were prepared
for or expecting it; but an impulse was given on the occa-
sion, which I think will tell at a future day. Some of our
ablest and most enterprising citizens have embarked in the
enterprise, and the prospects of the society are bright and
glowing and its effects upon the county will certainly be of
the most happy character. It is pleasant to see the masses
mingling together on these occasions—the lawyer, the doctor,
the merchant, the mechanic, the farmer, all united in one
common brotherhood, and all standing upon one broad plat-
form, uniting their heads and their hearts to promote each
other’s good and each other’s welfare. Such societies will go
far to break down those unhappy distinctions and divisions
which unhappily so often exist in communities and exert so
baneful an influence.

All of which is respectfully submitted,
A. B. McKEE, Secretary.

102

LAPORTE COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE LAPORTE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President of the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture:

This is to certify that, at a meeting of the citizens of La-
porte county, held at the Court House, in Laporte, on Satur-
day the 3d day of January, 1852, an agricultural society was
duly organized for said county of Laporte, to be known by
the name and style of the “Laporte County Agricultural
and Horticultural Society,’ and that a constitution and by-
laws, in accordance with the provisions of “An act of the
legislature of the State of Indiana, for the encouragement of
agriculture,” approved February 14, 1851, and that the fol-
lowing persons were elected officers of said society:

Winuam Axpten, President.
GrorcE Crawrorp, Vice President.
Tuomas D. Lemon, Secretary.
Wiuarp A. Puacr, Treasurer.

Together with a full board of directors, consisting of one
in each civil township.

The agricultural society of Laporte county consists of

about eighty members.
W. ALLEN, President.

Wm. Mituman, Secretary.

Laporte, January 3, 1852.

103

COMMUNICATIONS FROM MR. JOSEPH ORR.

Lavorre, Inp., January Ist, 1852.

Hon. J. A. Waricurt,
President of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture:

Our agricultural society has done but little since its organization. But as
it has united with the horticultural society, better things may be expected-
At least I hope a delegate will be sent to your meeting next week. Supposing
that no report will he furnished you by the society, I will try and furnish you
with information upon such points contained in your circular as I am familiar
with.

Wheat.

As an early, hardy and productive variety, we esteem the Mediterranean the
best. Next the Starbuck—called after the man who brought it to the country.
It is a hardy, red-chaffed, bearded variety, and does better under bad culture
than any other among us. Beside these we cultivate the Canada flint, Genessee,
Hutchinson, and others of the white wheat. But as they mature later, they are
more apt to be injured by the rust. Seeding is generally done between the 5th and
the 20th of September; by some with the drill, by others broadcast and harrowed
in, and from 114 to 11g bushels to the acre. In dry seasons, (fall,) open and
cold dry winters, the drill is the better plan. But in favorable seasons, wheat
sowed broadcast by a skillful hand, and harrowed in, will give a larger yield.
We commence cutting our Mediterranean about the first of July, and other va-
rieties one to two weeks later ; use the cradle in rough ground, and generally
McCormack’s reaper in smooth; stack in the field, and thrash at intervals as we
want for use, or can take to market.

Our crops of 1850 was extra good, averaging some 23 bushels to the acre; and
as it brought 70 to 75 cents per bushel at Michigan City, where sold, was gene-
rally taken to market. That of 1851 was some 20 per cent. less in yield than
the previous year, and as the price ranged low (50 to 55 cents) all fall, was not
sent to market freely; consequently the surplus now on hand exceeds very
largely the quantity on hand this time last year. There has, however, been
shipped from Michigan City in 1851, 205,146 bushels of wheat, and 3,000 bar-
rels of flour—say equal to 220,000 bushels, which at the lowest figure sold for,
neated $110,000. Some of this, however, is due to the credit of other counties,
selling at the same market. But not more, it is believed, than the excess now
on hand over last year this time; so that the figures above give very nearly the
surplus for 1851.

104

Corn.

This crop has been extensively cultivated for a number of years, and is now
regarded as one of our principal staples. We raise a number of varieties, but
the one mostly preferred is a yellow dent, weighing 56 to 58 tbs. to the measured
bushel; yielding well and ripening early.

Good farmers plow deep, and as early in the spring as they can—late in the
fall is better—mark out four feet apart each way; plant from the Ist to the 15th
of May, and then harrow once; plow from three to five times—the more the
better—with double or single shovels, and hoe enough to keep the hills clean
and the corn upright. In this way we get fifty bushels or over per acre.

The corn crop of each year is generally sold and sent forward the succeeding
year. And during the year 1851 there has been shipped at Michigan City 482,-
616 bushels, at an average cost paid the producer of 32 cents, or $154,437 12.

In addition to this, our home consumption of corn, wheat, oats, potatoes and
provisions, has been largely increased by the thousand and upwards employed
on the different railroads passing through the county.

Oats.

The quantity raised in the county is estimated at over 200,000 bushels. But
as my object is to give the surplus of our production only, I will confine myself
to such limits as cannot well be questioned. Then there has been shipped from
Michigan City during the year, 25,026 bushels; and the lowest estimate of extra
consumption by railroads as above, put them down at 15,000 bushels; say then
40,000 bushels at an average cost of 25 cents per bushel, or in the aggregate
$10,000. Of oats we sow from 11g to 2 bushels to the acre, and gather 40
bushels.

Barley

Is raised in small quantities, probably 10,000 bushels annually, one-half of
which, or more, is sold to go elsewhere—say 5,000 bushels—and has brought
forty to fifty cents per bushel during the year, say 45 cents, amounting to
$2,250. Wesow two, and-get forty bushels per acre.

Rye.—Lut little raised or enquired after.

Grass.

Clover is being raised to some extent as a fertilizer of the soil, and mixed with
timothy for pasture and for hay. The two, or timothy separate, yields from
one to two tons per acre of hay, at a cost including ground rent, of four to five
dollars, and sells in our towns at six to ten dollars. Large quantities of marsh
grass are annually cut, ata cost of one and a half dollars per ton in the stack;
and for sheep or cattle, where well saved, is a fair substitute. With a little corn,
both winter well upon it.

105

Dairy.

This business is on the increase, and will soon produce a surplus. But as yet
the home market, though well supplied, takes off all that is made. Butter 10
to 15 cents, and cheese at six to eight cents per pound.

Neat Cattle.

Increased attention to raising cattle is everywhere visible, though but little
has been done towards improving the breed. Nor is the business systematized
enough to tell the cost of raising atany given age. All kinds are, in demand.
Beef at 3 to 314 cents per pound. Three year olds at 12 to 14, and dairy cows
at 12 to 16 dollars per head. Estimated surplus, 2,000 head, at $15 each, or in
gross, say $30,000.

Sheep.

Our flocks are largely on the increase, numbering probably 25,000 head, and
giving us an average clip of 234 tbs. per head, or 68,750 tbs. of wool, which
sold last summer at an average price of 37 cents. Deducting 18,750 ibs. for
home consumption, which is probably over than under the quantity worked up,
we have a clear surplus of 50,000 tbs., which, at 37 cents, gives us $18,500 on
our wool. To this may be added 1000 head drove to the Chicago market for
mutton, at two dollars per head, which gives a surplus on the item of sheep of
over $20,000.

Our sheep are of every grade from full blooded Spanish and French Meri-
nos, down to the common wooled stock. But few Saxony, and as far as I
know, no English sheep are in the county. We value our sheep more for their
fleece, and for clearing up and fertilizing our lands than for mutton, though
many are slaughtered annually for mutton.

Hogs.

But little attention is paid to raising pork beyond our home consumption and
home demand. The surplus of 1851 will probably not exceed 2,000 bbls., which
at the price of pork, (4 to 4!¢c. per th.,) may be estimated at $20,000.

Hemp.

But few experiments have ever been tried in hemp raising, and those were
not successful.

Potatoes

Are largely cultivated and highly prized as an article of food, and some for
exportation. The Meshanocks, pink-eye, blue and flesh colored, are our princi-
pal varieties. ‘They are usually cultivated in hills, as corn, and in good seasons
will yield 200 bushels or more per acre; have brought the last fall 30 to 60 cents
per bushel, and are now in demand at even higher prices. They, in common

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with every other article of food except breadstuffs, aro in better request than
common, on account of the extra home consumption. Our surplus may be
safely estimated at 10,000 bushels, which, at an average price of 40 cents, has
produced $4,000.

To recapitulate—

Wheat, 220,000 bushels at 50 cents per bushel, - - - $110,000
Corn, 482,616 bushels at 32 cents per bushel, - - - 154,437
Oats, 40,000 bushels at 25 cents per bushel, - - - - 10,000
Barley, 5,000 bushels at 45 cents per bushel, - - - 2,250
Cattle, 2,000 head at 15 dollars per head, - - - - 30,000
Sheep, wool 50,000 tbs., at 37 cts. per tb., - - $18,500
Mutton, 1,000 head, at $2 per head, - - - 2,000
— $20,500
Hogs—2,009 barrels pork, at $10 per bri., - - - - 20,000
Potatoes, 10,000 bushels, at 40 cents per bushel, - - - 4,000
In the aggregate amounting to - - - - - $351,187

These estimates are intended to show the net surplus of the county, in the
articles enumerated, after deducting all home consumption, except that used by
the transient population engaged on the public works; and had I any reliable
data whereby to estimate the fruit, vegetables, poultry, butter, cheese, and many
other articles of ordinary consumption used by the same transient population, or
sent elsewhere to market, the agricultural surplus of the county would exceed
$400,000 for the year 1851.

Fruit Culture.

To name the different varieties, methods of cultivation, keeping qualities, &c.,
one must write a book. So much depends upon soil, climate, variety and after
culture, that the limits of an ordinary article will but admit of a few hints.
The same variety under widely different circumstances, will produce the extremes
of good or bad. The Swaar or Green Newtown Pippin in wet, cold, heavy
soils are not worth cultivating. But give them a good, dry and gravelly soil,
and they are the best of apples, both for keeping and for flavor. Even the little
American Golden Russet, which thrives in any soil, and for richness of flavor
and fineness of texture is the chief among ten thousand, now lies before me with
its beautiful face as spotted as though it had had the small pox in the natural
way. With us it is at the extreme northern verge of its appropriate clime. So
with the white Bellflower, white winter Pearmain, and some other excellent
varieties, which we are topping off with hardier heads. But the little Russett
we will stick to, through evil as well as good report. :

No domestic pursuit is so well calculated to repay the cultivator with health,
pleasure and profit, as a well assorted and well cultivated fruit garden and or-
chard; yet none are so much neglected or as little understood. Nurserymen
too, are often in fault in the impediments they throw in the way of judicious
selections, by contriving to cultivate poor varieties under imposing names, and

107

good ones under different names. The American Pippin, more appropriately
called the Grindstone by some, has an imposing name; yet with a good steel you
may strike fire from its fruit; while the White apple, Gate apple, Bellmont and
Waxen apple, are all sold to us as first rate winter apples; and so they are, but
when they come to bearing you have one good variety with four names. So
with the Butter Pear, White Beurre, St. Michael, Yellow Butter, Virgalieu and
White Doyenne—all bone of one bone and flesh of one flesh. And so on to the

end of the catalogue.
Whether it be done through inattention, or a trick of the trade, the bad effects

of this practice are the same, and are known and felt by all cultivators of obser-
vation, and ought to be discouraged.

The best remedy, in my opinion, is for the State Board of Agriculture to pub-
lish, in all their reports, a carefully selected list of standard varieties—admitting
from time to time well tested new ones, and discarding such as on fair trial should
not prove worthy of general cultivation. By this means catalogues would soon
be simplified, the cultivation of fruit become a popular pursuit, and eminently
useful to all. I would like to have the opinion of my old friends Reuben Rea-
gan and Aaron Alldredge on such a subject—men who from long experience and
close observation can detect the error of a single tree in a nursery, by the pecu-
liarities of its wood and leaf, would put us right on such a subject.

Now, I have over one hundred and fifty varieties of fruit trees in bearing, and
some fifty more coming on that have not yet fruited ; but to name the different
varieties would answer no useful purpose. I will, however, name a list sufhi-
ciently large in variety, to answer all useful purposes, and which seem to
promise well with us:

Cherries.
May Duke, Bigarreau or Yellow Spanish,
Early Purple Guign, Belle de Choicy,
American Heart, Black Tartarien,
Elton, Napoleon.

Plums.

Green Gage, Lawrence’s Favorite,
Imperial Gage, Smith’s Orleans,
Bleeker’s Gage, Coe’s Golden Drop,
Washington, Columbia.
Jefferson,

Peaches.
Early York, George the IV.,
Large Early York, Morris’ White,
Crawford’s Early, Old Mixen Free,
Crawford’s Late, Royal George,
Bergen’s Yellow, Red Cheeked Malecotien.

Gross Mignonne,

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Pears.
Bloodgood, White Doyenne,
Madeline, Louisa Bonne d. Jersey,
Dearborn’s Seedling, Winter Niles,
Bartlett, Passe Colmer,
Sickles, Beurre de Aremburgh.
Flemish Beauty,

Apples.

Name. Comes to perfection.

Early Harvest,
Early Strawberry, July and August.
Sweet June,
Early Go,

Sweet Bough,
Red Astracken,
Summer Queen,

August and September.

Gravenstein, September and October.
Fall Wine,
Maiden’s Blush,

Fall Pippin, October and November.
Porter,

Westfield Seek-no-further,
Rambo, November and December.
Femuse,

Golden Russet,

Waxen Apple, December and January.
Dutch Mignonne,

Rhode Island Greening,

Baldwin,
Prolific Beauty,

Ladies’ Sweeting,

Swaar,

January and February.

February and March.
Esope’s Spitzenburgh,

Northern Spye,

Rawl’s Janett,

Wine Sap,

Green Newtown Pippin,

English Russet,

Boston Russet, t

March and April.
April and May.

May to July.

Trees grafted out of the ground make the smoothest trunk, but are more
tender than seedling stocks ; nor are they so easily worked as the budding pro-

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cess. Apart from these considerations, the one process is as good as the other.
Grounds intended for a fruit garden, or orchard, if not naturally dry and rich,
ought to be made so by ditching, deep-plowing and manure. Thus prepared,
the holes for standard trees should be at least thirty feet apart each way for
apples; twenty for pears and cherries ; fifteen for peaches and plums, and dug
three feet or more in diameter, sixteen to twenty inches deep, then filled up with
top soil, one to two bushels of well rotted manure, (leaf mould is better) and one
gallon of lime or good ashes to each, mix thoroughly and plant as low as they
stood in the nursery. Care should be taken to preserve the roots and top about
equal, and as full as possible, and the latter from the sun and air till planted.
By this process, and by staking and mulching and watering trees once or twice,
there need not be one tree in a thousand lost by transplanting, or perceptibly
checked in their growth. Nor need the spring, nor fall, nor moon be consulted;
provided the sap is dormant and the frost is out of the ground.

The after culture should be in root crops, beans, cabbage, pumpkins, or some
low variety of corn for four or five years—not forgetting to manure well, espe-
cially, with lime or ashes about the trees. With this attention, and once wash-
ing the trunk of the trees with soapsuds or ley, the first warm weather every
spring, the grubs and borers would leave us the pleasure of more thrifty trees
and better fruit and more of it than we generally see.

Apples intended for winter use should hang on the tree till cool weather, or
until they commence dropping off—then picked and assorted with care, ona
clear dry day—put into new, tight barrels, headed up and removed, without
jolting, to some cool, airy place, where they should remain till moved for the
winter to a dry cellar or fruit room, which should not take place as long as they
are safe from freezing. An apple will not freeze in the open air till the mercury
sinks some 12 deg. below freezing point.

Should you find anything in this of use,in making up your report to the
legislature, take from it such items as will serve your purpose. But I pray you,
let not its homely face appear in public.

Very respectfully,
JOSEPH ORR.

DRAINING WET LANDS.

Larorte, November 23, 1851.
Governor WRIGHT:

Dear Sir :—I have just read your speech, delivered before the Wayne County
Agricultural Fair, and am pleased with your views about our wetlands. These
lands are not generally appreciated by our citizens, mainly, because they are
unfit for present use. They must be relieved of their excess of water, and then
have the sun and changes of seasons to mellow them before they are fit for use.

Many suggestions and experiments will be made, before we arrive at the
cheapest, and best mode of improving them. The depth of muck, under-strata,
be it clay, gravel, or quick sand, and descent, must all come into the account,

110

and even then we may be puzzled to fix upon any system that will suit all
localities.

The editor of the Michigan Farmer, in his letters from Europe this summer,
tells his readers, how moors, bogs, and other wet lands are made to produce
the various roots and grains raised in England and Scotland, in the greatest per-
fection. Their system however, needs shortening, and cheapening, which
yankee ingenuity can soon effect, and has already commenced. For instead of
removing the sod of their moors (marshes) by spade and by hand, I saw, the
other day down at Rochester, a plow made for the same purpose, which shaved
off four feet of sod at a lick.

After all, the experienced ditcher, with his spade and his shovel, must lead off
in this business. No ditching plows or other machinery are of any use, on our
deep deposits of muck, till after the water with which our marshes are sub-
merged, is taken off, and the muck has time to harden. Our experience with
ditching plows has fully proven this ; while all who use the spade and the shovel
are succeeding well.

Seeing the success of others, I have also engaged in these improvements, and
have laid the foundation on a somewhat large expenditure. I have secured in
one contiguous body on Crooked creek, over two thousand acres—two thirds of
which lies in the marsh. The centre of this tract is where the township line
between 35 and 36 crosses the west line of Laporte county, and the marsh and
the creek are correctly laid down on our State map. The marsh is about one
and one-fourth miles wide—is level and wet, and is composed of a deep black
muck of decayed vegetable matter, from four to eight feet deep—seldom as low
as four; and is sodded over with a stiff grass sod, yet of cohesiveness enough
below the sod to spade well, and the ditches to retain their shape. The whole
is underlaid with a stiff blue clay, or gravelly hard pan.

Of this two thousand acre tract, Iam now enclosing eight hundred acres, with
a ditch of six feet wide at top, two feet at bottom and four feet deep. Two of
my ditches are across the marsh, one mile apart, and the other two are
along the edges, with a view of catching the water from the thousand and one
springs, which rise along the foot of the dry land, and to carry their water to the
creek. This eight hundred acres has but one spot of three acres of dry land
on it, and is apparently a perfect plane—yet my ditches show a fall of over six
feet to the mile from the dry land to the creek, and at least as great a descent
the other way ; and so uniform is the fall that the water in the ditches passes off
with a free and a quick current the whole length of the ditches. In near two
miles of ditches which I have already made, the muck is no where less than
four and a-half feet deep, nor seldom over six. I therefore think of deepening
my ditches to five feet, which will bring them nearly to the shape of aV. My
intention is, to subdivide this eight hundred acre tract, with the same kind of
ditches, into forty acre lots, with a bridge, a gate and a watering place to each
lot, and to leave the ditches open, for the double purpose of a drain and a fence.
The cost, all told, will be fifty cents a rod, or one dollar per acre; and with this
expenditure I expect to have the best of grass land ; and may, after two or three
years’ exposure to the sun and close pasturing, tell you what else we will have.

111

I have eight hands now at work, who expect to work at it nearly all winter,
and have engaged four more, whoare now in the employ of others, to com-
mence early next spring—all experienced ditchers, and fond of the business.

I entertain a high opinion of these marsh lands, and indeed of nearly all the
wet lands in the State. With a few exceptions they can be made the best lands
we have. They however, require some capital, and a good deal of patient
industry to subdue them. To the man of limited means and energy, they are
in the main, nseless, even if given to him. That class want something for im-
mediate use, which they cannot find in these lands. Hence nothing is to be
gained by reducing the price, or urging them into market beyond the wants of
those who will improve them. To that class the present price is no substantial
objection. There is however a substantial hinderance to their sale, and to the
improvement of these lands generally, which needs legislation.

To improve our marsh lands well, cannot be done without a considerable out-
lay in money or labor, and when so improved adds a permanent value to adjoin-
ing lands as well as our own. The owner of adjoining lands are often absent, or
unwilling if present, to join in the expense even where the parties may be
equally benefitted. Now in this age of quid pro quo, there are but few, who are
willing to add fifty or one hundred or any other per cent. to land not their own;
without some compensation. Yet in this kind of improvement they must do
so, or do nothing ; and there are a number of cases in this county where men have
declined, and others suspended improvements, which they wished to make, rather
than make them undersuch circumstances. Insome cases this objection is partially
overcome by enlarging the tract we wish to improve. But this cannot always
be done, even by those who wish to do so—nor are all able who would, and this
latter class are the greatest sufferers.

Remove these objections by jnst and efficient legislation, and you will add
millions annually to the value of your assessment 1oll, say nothing of the good
effect it would have upon the general health of the State.

A number of our citizens have been buying swamp lands of the State
with a view of improving them; or rather they have made their selec-
tions and have deposited their money at the land office at Winamac, with the
understanding that such selections would be confirmed, so soon as some pre-
liminary questions, apparently of small moment, were settled at the general
land office. I am of that number, and owing to the delay, feel some little con-
cern about it—the more so as I am engaged in improving a portion of them.
On this subject however, you are no doubt well advised, and will do whatever
is right in the premises.

I was prevented from meeting with you in May last; but hope to meet with
the Board in January. The agricultural heat not is quite so high among us as I
would like to see it, though we have organized a society, and I hope to have a
a very efficient associate on the State Board, in the person of its president, Wm.
Allen.

Very respectfully, yours &c.,
JOSEPH ORR.

His Excetiency, J. A. Wricnr.

112

MARION COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE MARION COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

The undersigned President and Secretary of the Marion
County Agricultural Society, respectfully report:

That on the 9th day of September, 1851, a number of
citizens exceeding thirty of said county, mostly farmers and
mechanics, met at the court house and organized themselves
into a society for the improvement of agriculture in said
county, and adopted a constitution and by-laws in conformity
with “An act for the encourgement of agriculture,” ap-
proved February 14, 1851, and agreeably to the rules and
regulations furnished by the State Board of Agriculture, and
elected

Carvin Friercuer, President.
Powerit. Hownanp, Vice President.
James Jounson, Treasurer.

Royat Mayuew, Secretary.

And the following named persons directors from the nine
several civil townships of the county, to-wit:

John Jameson, Hiram Bacon, Samuel Frazier, Jeremiah
Johnson, Abner Pope, sen., Isaac B. Sandusky, Jacob Smock,
Isaac W. Hunter, and Demas L. McFarland.

Said society raised by subscription of members at said
meeting a sum exceeding fifty dollars, and adjourned to meet
again on the first Saturday of November, at which time it
appeared that quite an accession of members had taken place,
and again adjourned to meet on the 27th day of December,
when the society again met and it appeared that the sum of
one hundred and sixty-eight dollars had been paid in by that
number of members, paying one dollar each to the Treasurer

113

of the society; and the proper certificate and verification
being made to the County Auditor, an additional sum of one
hundred and twenty-seven dollars has been drawn from the
county treasury, making now in the treasury of said society
two hundred and ninety-five dollars. The society at its
meeting last mentioned appointed Calvin Fletcher, President,
as delegate from the society to the State Board of Agricul-
ture; and appointed an executive committee of five, to-wit:
Powell Howland, Hiram Bacon, Abner Pope, sen., Isaac W.
Hunter and James Mars, to whom the business of the society
is’ intrusted, and who are particularly charged with all ar-
rangements, preparations and regulations for a county fair,
to be held next fall. Said executive committee and delegate
to the State Board, were instructed to use exertions to pro-
cure such amendment to the law of last winter, that all as-
sessments by or payments to any city or corporation for
licenses to exhibit menageries, circuses, theatrical perform-
ances, or other shows, shall go to the benefit of agricultural
societies and no part to such city or corporation.

It will be perceived, that, from the late period of the sea-
son when our organization took place, no fair has been held;
consequently no comparison of skill in agriculture has been
exhibited, or statistics obtained, wherefore the several inter-
rogatories propounded by the State Board cannot at present
be answered.

The undersigned would remark however that there is an
evident improvement in agricultural and mechanical skill in
the county. An increase of the great staples which consist
mainly in wheat, corn, hogs and horses. It is believed that
the number and quality of neat cattle have not been improv-
ing, and no pains have recently been taken to improve the
breed of hogs. But some new importations have been made,
and it is due toa number of our farmers to state, that they have
recently made efforts to repair such neglect. It is believed
that the law recently passed by our Legislature, and the
efforts of the State Board, has and will exert a salutary in.

114

fluence, give a new impetus to exertions that will greatly
increase the taxables of our State, which will add to its
treasury an amount far beyond any expenditure they will be
called on to make.

In regard to agricultural implements, we are pleased to
state that our farmers are introducing new labor saving ma-
chines—new thrashers, shellers, straw-cutters and other
implements. Gatling’s new grain drill has been used by
several of our farmers and its operation and results highly
approved, the increased yield of grain being variously esti-
mated by several who have used it at from three to seven
bushels per acre, others estimating the increase from twenty
to twenty-five per cent. The reaper, (McCormick’s,) has
also been introduced and used the past season, by one of our
large farmers, and has well sustained its high reputation.
Deeper and better plowing as well as rolling of the land is
beginning to meet with practical favor.

There is but a small proportion of wet lands in our county,
and upon these in several places the process of underdrain-
ing has been commenced by which it has been well ascer-
tained that such lands, (which were formerly unproductive
and useless,) are rendered the most valuable and productive
at a comparatively small expense.

The wheat crop of the past year was very productive and
abundant, exceeding the crop of any former year by at least
twenty-five per cent. The market price has been low aver-
aging about forty-eight cents per bushel. The place of
market has been Indianapolis, and other points along the
railroads in the county.

The corn crop has also been unusually abundant. The
average yield per acre may be set down at sixty bushels.
We would here say that this average does not fairly repre-
sent the capacity of our corn land, but is attributable to
carelessness in cultivation, and a general inclination to farm
too many acres with too little labor. The land without ma-
nure, with good culture, will yield from seventy to one hun-

115

dred bushels per acre. Such has been the crop of many of
our good farmers. The market price has averaged about
eighteen cents per bushel.

The peach crop has entirely failed in this county the past
season, and apples nearly so; a few orchards however, of the
latter have in some localities yielded a fair crop.

Respectfully submitted :
CALVIN FLETCHER, President.

Royat Mavuew, Secretary.

MARTIN COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE MARTIN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

The undersigned begs leave to report that, on the 30th day
of August, 1851, a County Society for the county of Martin
in said State, was duly organized by the election of

Jeremi1an McBripg, President;

Darwat A. CrarK, Vice President;

D. R. Duniuur, Treasurer;

Asner R. Brown, Secretary ;
and by the election of eight directors, one from each civil
township.

The society is composed of about sixty members. Owing
to the very recent organization of said society, the under-
signed is unable to present a copy of the printed list of
premiums offered and awarded; none having yet been estab-
lished; or to present an abstract of the treasurer’s report.
He is also unable to give, for the reason aforesaid, a statement

116

of successful contributors on crops, and other improvements,
or any copies of addresses on agriculture. The society has
fair prospects of success and promises much usefulness.

Corn, pork, tobacco, oats and wheat are the leading pro-
ducts of the agricultural portion of said county. The aggre-
gate amount of these cannot now be correctly given, for the
reason already stated. Corn is now selling in the markets of
said county for about twenty-five cents per bushel; pork for
about four dollars per hundred; tobacco for three dollars and
fifty cents per hundred; oats for about twenty cents per
bushel, and wheat for about fifty cents per bushel.

The foregoing articles or products are principally sold at
Harrisonville, Mt. Pleasant and Natchez, in said county;
some small amounts at Dover Hill and other trading points.

JEREMIAH McBRIDE,
President of the Martin
County Agricultural Society.

MONROE COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE MONROE. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President of the State Board of Agriculture:

The undersigned respectfully submits the following report:

1. Or rue Socrery.—The Monroe County. Agricultural
Society was formed about two years ago; but in August
last, its constitution was changed so as to conform to the
requisitions of the State Board. Its organization is of a two-
fold character; first, to collect statistical and other informa-
tion, from which the annual report is to be made to the State
Board; and second, to discusss agricultural questions.

117

To carry out the first of these objects, eleven committees
are appointed, as follows:
1. On grain crops.
2. On grass crops.
3. On stock.
4. On root crops.
5. On fruits.
6. On bushes, timber, &c.
7. On soils.
8. On manufactures.
9. On improvements.

10. On wages and profits.

11. On agricultural papers, books, é&c.

The society is to hold quarterly meetings, at which these
committees are to report; each committee to make but one
annual report, embracing every thing properly belonging to
its jurisdiction, and after receiving the sanction of the society,
the report is filed away. From these reports, the President
and Secretary are to compile their annual report to the State
Board.

For the purpose of carrying out the second object, the
members residing in their respective townships, together with
other members choosing to attend, are to meet in the town-
ship, once every month, and discuss agricultural questions.
This two-fold organization, it is confidently expected, will
create an interest in the welfare of the society, and enable it
to collect correct statistical and other useful information.
This organization has not yet been carried out fully, as time
and perseverance, will both be necessary to do so.

2. Or tHe Counry.—Along the borders of the county,
flow Salt, Beanblossom and Clear creeks, and the western
fork of White river. From these towards the centre of the
county, the land rises, in some parts, in hills, but generally,
in gentle undulations. The hills vary from fifty to three
hundred feet in height. In the bottoms of these creeks, the
solid sandstone is found, but as the land rises, numerous lay-

118

ers of limestone of every kind are met with, until on the top
of some of the highest ridges, the sandstone is again found,
but in small detached portions. The result of this character
of the surface and geological structure, is, that everywhere
the county abounds in the finest limestone springs and water
courses; and, as remarked by a visiter to the recent com-
mencement of the State University, “ presents a most roman-
tic and picturesque scenery, which, with its healthfulness,
renders it one of the most pleasant locations in the west.”
Add to these, the educational advantages derived from the
University of Indiana, and that admirable female school, un-
der the control of Mrs. McFerson, and now containing
ninety-one pupils, and from the large common school fund,
held by some of the townships of the county, and nowhere
in the State, do we find a county possessing more desirable
advantages.

3. Som anp Timper.—The soil of the county is clay, red
and yellow, lying upon limestone rock. It is dry and warm,
except in some places on some of the creeks. The top soil
is a clay loam, and its character as to fertility, may be readily
seen from the following extract, taken from the essay of Dr.
Lee, on the “study of soils,” in the last agricultural report
of the patent office:

“If we study the natural products of the earth in connex-
ion with the elements of fertility, we shall find that large,
long-lived, and thrifty forest trees grow only in soils which
are rich in potash. When the farmer has occasion to burn
maple, elm, oak, walnut, hickory, beech, and other hard wood
forest trees, he finds them rich in this alkali; and he also
finds that soils which produce this kind of timber are always
good for agricultural purposes. Their productiveness is not
to be ascribed to potash alone (for this alkali exists in combi-
nation with flint or silicic acid in an insoluble form) but all
the other elements of crops are equally present in an availa-
ble form; but the existence of an abundance of magnificent

119

potash-yielding forest trees, will never deceive the farmer as
to the natural capability of the soil.”

The county, everywhere abounds in these forest trees, and
in poplars of the largest size. The top-soil is sufficiently
deep to produce the best of crops, and, under a proper system
of cultivation, would be inexhaustible. It is a soil well
adopted to all crops, but the rolling character of the surface,
together with its fine springs and water courses, adapt it,
especially to stock-raising and dairy establishments.

4, Or Darries.—Heretofore, on account of our inland
situation, and want of market facilities, but little attention
has heen given to making butter and cheese. We have no
dairy establishments, the low price of butter, furnishing no
inducement to invest capital in them. Still our county, in
proportion to its population, is among the foremost in the
State for butter making, the number of pounds according to
the recent census, being 150,372. But the rapid progress of
the New Albany and Lake Michigan Railroad, will in another
year, give to our citizens a railroad communication with the
cities at the Falls of the Ohio, and under the encouragement
of these markets, our great natural advantages for dairy op-
erations will soon be laid hold of. The butter now made
here is sold at Bloomington, the county seat, or bought up
by provision peddlers. In summer it brings from eight to ten
cents a pound, and in winter, from ten to fifteen cents.

The modes of making it are as various as the quality
of the butter itself. But our best butter makers, as soon as
the milk is drawn from the cow, gradually heat it until it
nearly boils, when it is strained into pans or crocks, and set
away uncovered (if protected from flies,) in a cool and well
ventilated place, which is usually the spring house. From
thirty-six to forty-eight hours afterwards, the cream is taken
off and collected in a large crock, and when it is thickened,
it is churned. When the cream is warm, or likely to heat
easily, the churning is done slowly, for if rapidly, the cream
is too much heated and scalds the butter. After the butter

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is collected, the milk is poured off, fresh cool water put into
the churn, and the churning continued afew moments. The
butter is then taken out into a wooden bowl, worked well
with a paddle and salted. Every vessel used is kept perfectly
clean, and often scalded and sunned, and none but the purest air
is allowed to come in contact with the cream and milk. No
butter is put down for market.

The churn mostly in use, is the common sort. Lately the
atmospheric churn has been introduced, but it is not much
liked on account of the difficulty of cleaning the tin tube.
Churning by it can be done more easily and quickly, but the
disadvantage alluded to, overbalances these more favorable
qualities.

5. Or Near Carriz.—tThe general stock of our cattle is
good. About twenty years ago, Mr. John Owens, an enter-
prising and intelligent farmer, introduced the Patton stock
into this county. They were deficient in breadth of hip, and
in roundness of rib, but these defects were somewhat lessened
by crosses with stock having some Durham blood. The de-
scendants of this importation have become numerous, by
crossing with the common stock, but I regret to say that
little or no attention has been given to the production of
breeding animals. The consequence has been that whilst the
general stock has been much improved, the breeds introduced
have deteriorated.. Our county must import breeding ani-
mals.

I am unable to answer the question, ‘What is the cost of
raising till three years old?’ I have made many inquiries of
our best farmers of the cost of raising different kinds of
stock, but no one has pursued any regular plan of feeding,
or took any account of the amount and cost of the food
given. Generally our cattle are sold when about two years
or two and a-half years old, the comparative profit, being
regarded by many, as greater at that age than at any other.
The cost of the first year’s keeping is about two dollars, and
of the second about four. Our farmers begin to see the ne-

121

cessity of having shelter for their stock, and when they shall
be stabled, the value of the manure will reduce the cost of
wintering. Cattle at two years old, sell from ten to twelve
dollars; cows in the spring from ten to eighteen dollars, and
in the fall from eight to fifteen dollars.

6. Surer anp Woon.—The remarks I have made of our
cattle, apply to our sheep. Mr. Owens introduced the Me-
rino, but his own flocks degenerated from breeding in and
in, whilst others, with much benefit, crossed their flocks of
common sheep by rams from his flocks. The general quality
of the wool is much advanced, but we have no pure blooded
animals from which to procure bucks. The price of wool
generally, is twenty-five cents, and for the best qualities
thirty cents. The last ought to be considerably higher, but
owing to the limited quantity produced, buyers of the finer
sorts do not come into the county. I cannot state the cost
of raising sheep, but they are regarded as profitable stock.
Flocks are small; no one turning his entire attention to sheep
raising.

7. Horszs.—It is doubtful whether our county has made
any progress in raising this kind of stock. Still, many fine
animals are raised ; but these, both horses and mares, are bought
up for the Kentucky and more southern markets, and hence,
the reason of our not having made a better advance towards
establishing improved breeds. But the stallions have deteri-
orated—many of them are worthless. In nothing can our
society exert a more beneficial influence, than by a combined
patronage, at remunerating prices, induce owners of good
stallions to come amongst us. A stallion of the draft stock
has, for the first time, been brought into the county this fall.
Prices of horses are now very high.

8. Hoas.—The breeds of hogs are mixed crosses of the
Russian, China, Berkshire, Byefield and Grazier. The pure
Russian cannot be brought into market soon enough. The
China is too short legged to travel, (our markets being usu-
ally on the Ohio river,) and the Berkshire does not fatten

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enough on the lower sides and belly. A cross of the first
two, with the latter, are much esteemed. But it is difficult
to effect a permanent cross between them, owing to the ten-
dency of the Russian and China blood to separate, pigs of the
same litter often being almost entirely Russian or China. As
our markets are on the Ohio, to which the hogs are driven,
we salt away but little pork, and hence no particular modes
of curing bacon have been adopted. At this time our farmers
are receiving three dollars a hundred, gross weight, for their
hogs.

9. Or Wueat.—Like all other counties of the State, we
have several varieties of wheat. The Golden and Red Chaff,
and the White wheat are still sown by many; but they are
not so popular as formerly, on account of their liability to
injury from the rust. The Mediterranean is rapidly becom-
ing a general favorite. So the Carolina, until last winter
showed that it was subject to being frozen out. The Penn-
sylvania or White Blue-stem has just been introduced. <A for-
eign wheat, called the Royal Banna, has recently been brought
to the county, by Mr. John K. Whisenand. He found it in
Tennessee, where a friend had, the year before, received a
small portion from England. It weighs seventy-one pounds
to the bushel. The society, through Mr. Bateman of the
Ohio Cultivator, in October last, procured from London thir-
teen new varieties, the growth of different parts of the world.
These have been sown, and specimens of such as may prove
valuable will be sent, next summer, to the State Board.

The inland position of this county has led to a general
carelessness as to the mode of cultivating this product. But
with the coming of the New Albany Railroad, this careless-
ness will soon vanish. The worst and best modes of putting
in wheat, are as follows:

The worst, and perhaps I ought to add, the common mode,
is to plough the wheat in in corn ground, in September. Two
furrows are run (and those shallow enough) with the shovel
plough. No harrowing. Much of the ground thus sown,

123

has been exhausted by continual cropping, without rest or
manure, until it has scarcely any soil left, except what deep
ploughing alone could bring up. The average product of
such land thus sown, does not exceed seven or eight bushels
per acre.

One of the better modes for corn ground is, to prepare
the ground for a good crop of corn in the first place. This
is done by scattering manure broadcast over a sod. Cattle
are often fed with corn fodder over the field, whilst the
ground is frozen the winter previous. Early in the spring
the ground is double ploughed. In July, when the last
ploughing is given to the corn, the wheat is carefully sown,
some sowing but the width of a row at the same time. It is
ploughed in with as many furrows as are necessary to stir
all the ground, after which it is harrowed with a small har-
row. The yield by this mode ranges from 20 to 30 bushels
to the acre.

Another of the best modes is, to break up a clover field,
the clover not being cut or pastured close, by ploughing five
to six inches in depth; after which it is harrowed. When
the clover has rotted, the wheat is sown and ploughed in
with the shovel plough, and the ground levelled with the
harrow. The product is about the same as by the other
method.

The time of seeding with our best farmers, is much earlier
now than it was a few years since. The months of Septem-
ber and October are, usually, so very dry, that wheat sown
in these months does not root deeply enough to endure the
rigors and sudden changes of our winters. Sometimes it is
sown as early as the beginning of July; and I have heard of
only two or three instances in which the wheat was supposed
to have been jointed, and killed in consequence. But usually,
when sown even so early, it has done well.

_ The quantity of seed used is from one to one and a quarter
bushels to the acre. This is not enough, especially when
harrowed in and sown late.

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The time of harvesting is in the last week of June and the
first week of July. It is cut with cradles, shocked, stacked
and thrashed with machines. The markets are at Blooming-
ton, Gosport, and Harrodsburgh, and a good deal wagoned
to Louisville and New Albany. Price this fall, 40 to 45 cents.

We use no preparations for our seed, and adopt no reme-
dies against the fly and wevil. Our greatest, enemy, in the
fall, is the dry weather, especially so since our farmers will
not plough when the ground is dry. They wait until the
rain comes, and when it does, it not unfrequently becomes
dry again before they are ready to sow their wheat. The
greatest preventive against the evils resulting from dry
weather, is

Gatuine’s Wueat Dritt.—Through the spirited agency
of Austin Seward, of Bloomington, who makes everything
in iron, from a horse shoe to a steam engine, this drill was
brought into our county in August last. Wheat was sown
with it about the first of September, when the ground was
very dry, and in fields in which, after being thoroughly bro-
ken up and harrowed, the wheat was ploughed in with the
shovel plough. The wheat put in with the drill came up
immediately, and endured the extreme drought, which lasted
until the 20th of October; but that which was sown and
ploughed in did not come up until after the rain, and then,
looking as badly as it could. This favorable result for the
drilled wheat is easily accounted for. It is deposited ‘so
deep as to be beyond the influence of the hot sun and drying
winds, and within that of the moisture arising from the ‘sub-
soil. About thirty-five acres of wheat were sown on my
farm in the latter part of August, and had the drill been
used to put it in, the crop would have been worth not less
than one hundred and fifty dollars more than it can possibly
be worth. The drill becomes the more important, from the
depredations committed on the grain, which does not sprout
immediately after being sown. Having sent to Indianapolis
for the Pennsylvania, or White Blue-stem, with which I had

125

about 15 acres sown, in the latter part of August, I felt anx-
ious for its favorable growth. From the time it was sown,
until the 20th of October, no rain fell upon it, and it was in
a few shaded patches only that it came up, during this period.
Upon examining it, a short time before it rained, I found the
wheat in all stages of growth, from the shooting of a single
root of an eighth of an inch in length to many roots and the
stem. But I found numerous grains with a small round hole
in them, the germ being entirely gone. There was no ap-
pearance of decay, for otherwise, the whole grain was per-
fectly sound. Patches of these grains were found without a
single whole grain. Accidentally I found the cause in the
red ant. After the rains came on, ! examined the wheat two
or three times daily, and found all grains growing well except
those destroyed by the ants, which, I regret to say, were the
greater partsown. By rapid growth of the grain, and, per-
haps, by covering deeply, their depredations might be avoided;
or by steeping and rolling in something offensive to the ant.

Since writing the rough draft of this report, I conversed
with Mr. Taggart, an intelligent farmer of Brown county,
now its Representative, about these ants. He informed me
that in the fall of 1850, after his wheat had come up. well,
he observed it getting thinner on the ground. His neighbors
noticed this in their fields also, and attributed the cause to
the fly. But upon examining his fields more closely, he was
surprised to see numerous red ants cutting it down, and eat-
ing it off into the grain itself, thus entirely destroying it.

I have mentioned these things to elicit further observation;
and, as to the drill, will only add, that we found it to work
well in cloddy ground, and which had tall weeds growing
upon it before ploughed.

Cost PER ACRE OF RAISING WHEAT.—Having had a few acres
of wheat put in, without any aid on my own part, the cost,
I find, is about as follows:

126

Interest on land, estimating the average value of

land over the county at $10 per acre-..-.++.... 60
Ploughing and harrowing once++++++eeser esse ees $1 00
Sowing and harrowing in s+eeesecee eee eeeseeees 90
Thrashing, including all incidental expenses. -...... 1 50
Seed, one and a quarter bushels -++++.+s eee. eee 624
Cutting, binding, shocking and stacking--+.---++..- 1 00
Hauling SASAP RR SRE TEA SE. SI age, ee Be 95

$5 173
Credit :
By 15 bushels of wheat, at 40 cents.------.. $6 00
By Valle OF StIfaw = s ese ssh cece et ccc aee a cs 1 50
—— $7 50
POUL Cee Rees cu we tc heise et oP Ee a's $2 324

10. Or Corn.—There is no subject that has given rise to
more animated discussions in our society, than the proper
mode of cultivating corn. By its cultivation a large portion
of our lands has been exhausted, and this exhaustion, in the
opinion of many of us, has resulted not only from taking the
corn and fodder from the ground, but also from the exposure
of the soil, by frequent ploughings, to the sun and atmospheric
influences. To avoid so many ploughings was thought to be
a desirable object, both to save labor and decrease this expo-
sure. On this question of exhaustion by tillage, I find some
remarks in the essay of Dr. Lee, on soils, already referred to,
so appropriate that I may be pardoned for quoting some of
them.

“Tillage can do much to promote fertility; but it cannot
create something from nothing nor change one elementary
body into another. But tillage is usually more efficient to
impoverish an arated field than to improve it; and it is this
deteriorating effect of cultivation, irrespective of all crops,
to which we desire to call particular attention. The chemi-

127

cal changes in the soil, produced by ploughing, are quite in-
dependent of the presence of plants. Tillage dissolves more
silica, potash, soda, lime, magnesia, chlorine, iron, mould, sul-
phuric and phosphoric acids, than would be dissolved without
this operation. After tillage has dissolved the elements of
crops, they do not remain long in well-drained land, if no
plants are present to imbine the water that holds them in so-
lution. Wherever the water runs, most of the organic and
inorganic constituents of vegetables go with it, after they are
fairly dissolved, like common salt in water.”

These observations apply, in all their force, to a county
which, like Monroe, has a roling surface, by which the water
is rapidly carried away. To lay hold, immediately, of these
elements of fertility, is the only method by which they can
be retained, and this can best be done by sowing, at the time
of the last ploughing, some crop that will take them up.
Wheat, rye, clover, would all answer; but no one better,
if as well, as rye. It would afford a good winter pasture,
and by feeding the grain to hogs, on the ground, and immedi-
ately turning under, the elements of fertility would be again
returned to the soil, in a form the most ready for production.

To avoid this dissolving of the elements of fertility, as
much as possible, various experiments have been made, and
these go to show, that on sod land, deeply broken up, one or
two ploughings, after the corn is up, are all that is necessary.
Sixty bushels of corn to the acre have been raised in our
county, without any culture, after being planted. I have
raised what was supposed to be about one hundred bushels to
the acre, with but one ploughing after the corn was up. The
land had been a pasture field, was manured before ploughed,
and was sub-soiled when broken up. The season was favora-
ble. The general opinion of the members of the society is,
that in land such as ours, corn should be put in on a sod,
double ploughed, manured either before being ploughed, or,
if after, to be harrowed in as a top dressing, and the number

128

of ploughings, after the corn is up, to be governed by the
season.

The cold eastern winds of the spring bake our ground
about the time corn is coming up, and create a necessity for
stirring the soil early. A cultivator is the best implement
for this purpose, but we have none amongst us. These winds
cool the ground, too, and hence the great utility of a top
dressing of manure to keep it warm.

We plant in the last week of April, and to the middle of
May. The varieties used are numerous—white, both dent
and gourdseed, the large yellow, and mixed. Within the last
four or five years a much larger quantity of the yellow has
been raised, it being considered as possessing greater fattening
properties.

The average product is not more than 35 bushels per acre,
but from 50 to 75 can easily be raised. The old practice of
cultivating a field in corn year after year, until the fertility
of the soil is exhausted, is yet too prevalent to have a higher
average. But a change for the better is taking place. Our
market is at home. Prices from 20 to 25 cents per bushel
when delivered.

1]. Or Oars, Rye ann Bartey.—The oats crop of our
county is a large one. I cannot state the average number of
bushels to the acre, as the cultivation differs so widely. The’
worst mode is to sow on ground from which wheat was ta-
ken the previous season, and then plough in with the shovel
plough, followed, sometimes, by the harrow, and, oftentimes
not. A drought, which frequently happens in May and June,
cuts short the crop thus put in. But when the ground is
broke up deep, then harrowed well, and the seed ploughed in,
followed by the harrow, the crop resists the drought, and the
product is from 40 to 60 bushels to the acre.

Rye and barley are but little cultivated.

12. Or Porarons.—The kinds in use are the Shaker Red
or flesh color, Pink-eye, Snowball, and white Meshannock.
Some Blues and early kidney are cultivated. The last far

129

excel any other sort as an early potatoe. They become
mealy before any other, and, on account of their early matu-
rity, require a rich, moist soil. No great amount is raised
for exportation, on account of our hitherto inland position.
Next to bad cultivation, our greatest enemy is the potatoe
bug, which destroyed a large portion of the crop this season,
and, in consequence, potatoes are now selling at Bloomington
from 40 to 50 cents per bushel. No certain remedy against
the bug has yet been found. Some have succeeded in driving
them away, but others have failed. I tried lime scattered
over the vines when the dew was on, and with success; but
this application must be made almost every day.

13. Or Grass.—This ought to be the most valuable pro-
duct of our county. But little progress, however, has been
made in the mode of putting in or cultivating our meadows,
The usual manner of putting in meadows is to sow the seed
on wheat, either in the fall or in February, or on oats in the
spring. If all things are favorable, tolerable success attends
this way of seeding ; but if the Weather is dry, or should be-
come hot soon after the seed has sprouted, much of it is
destroyed. An individual informed me that the seed alone
cost him about two dollars per acre in unsuccessful endeavors
to put his land in meadow. The greatest difficulty, I think,
is in our want of proper farming utensils. From my own
experience, (which is not very great,) and my observation,
(which is much greater,) I am satisfied that the roller would
obviate the difficulties we meet with. For timothy meadows,
the soil ought to be good, and should be ploughed well, and
harrowed on the same day it is ploughed, until not a clod re-
mains. It have italicised the words “on the same day it is
ploughed,” because it is the common practice with our farmers
to put off harrowing until the whole field is broken up. This
is a bad practice in our clay soil. When first turned, the
clods crumble at the least touch; but if left exposed to one
or two days of sunshine and drying winds, the harrow has

not much effect on them. The timothy seed that falls on
9

130

them or near them is not sufficiently covered, and, in conse-
quence, perishes. After the seed is sown, it should be rolled
in. Grass seed of all kinds, and even wheat, requires the
ground to be compact around it, else it is greatly endangered
by the light showers we so frequently have in the ‘fall and
spring, which are sufficient to sprout, but not to beat down
the earth around the seed.

Our meadows are usually timothy mixed with clover. This
preference is given because the clover keeps the ground loose,
and when timothy alone is sown, moss grows more freely,
which is destructive to the grass. Our best farmers harrow
their meadows every spring. In addition to this a liberal
dressing of rotted manure ought to be given.

The average quantity of hay is not over one and a quarter
tons to the acre. None is exported, and the present price, at
Bloomington, is $7 50 per ton.

14. Frourrs.—This county is progressing, not, however, as
rapidly as it ought, in the culture of the apple. The nursery
of Mr. Turner, near Bloomington, furnishes a home supply
of the best. Our soil is admirably adapted to fruits of all
kinds, and the slopes of the hills furnish any number of excel-
lent sites. We have grafted apples of the usual kinds, but I
am unable to state the comparative excellence of each as
grown in our soil and climate. Mr. Turner, the chairman cf
the committee on fruits, will furnish full statements on this
subject, for the next annual report. Peach trees are plenty,
but not grafted ones. These are more hardy, but still the
crop is very uncertain. The common cherry is the Morello,
but these are not so good bearers as the May Duke and Early
May. The latter are now coming in use, and prove to be
hardy, large fruited, and full bearers. Various varieties of
the Biggarreau, Heart and Duke, have recently been brought
into the county, but are not yet in bearing. The plum is not
much cultivated, on account of the depredations of the Cur-
culio; and the pear but little, as it is so often destroyed by
the blight. From observation, I am inclined to believe that

131

all these fruits, the apple excepted, would do much better if
the ground beneath them was not cultivated, and a sod allow-
ed to cover the ground.

The grape is receiving some attention. There is a small
vineyard in the county, planted by Mr. Stine, which produ-
ces well. Several citizens of Bloomington have attempted
its cultivation on a small scale, but have been discouraged by
the rot. In that place I have about one hundred and fifty
vines, and this disease never affects them; which I attribute
to the locality and mode of cultivation. This fall I planted
about three hundred vines, (Catawba) purposing to increase
this number as rapidly as possible. My mode of cultivation
is the reverse of that pursued by the Germans. I set my
vines ten feet apart, plant a row of corn (drilled) between
the rows of grapes to shade them, and never give any pruning
in the summer, but a thorough one in March. A free circu-
lation of the air must be secured by the locality. I avoid
making the soil too rich, especially with stable manure. The
ground ought to be broken deep—from eighteen to twenty
inches, and this can most easily be done by running three
ploughs in the same furrow—two turning over, and the third
a sub-soil plough. This depth gives a good under drainage,
which the grape must have, in clay soils especially. I abhor
a western exposure, avoid a southern one, and prefer an
eastern or a north-eastern one.

The rose bug destroys the grape when in blossom. With-
in the last four years this pest has become known to us, and
now the bugs are so numerous that they cover the wild vines
in the woods, and attack the early cherry; such as the May
Duke and Early May. They are easily destroyed, however,
by holding a basin with water in it, under them and then
touching them, when they will drop down, and fall into the
water.

The Catawba is the best grape we have. In every way it
is superior to the Isabella, and it is less subject to the rot.

Having given a general outline of the present condition of

132

our agriculture, as to those matters referred to by the State
Board in their published inquiries, I desire to direct attention
to some highly injurious errors that prevail amongst us.

1. Waste or Manure.—Many of our farmers suffer their
wheat straw to go to entire waste, and pay but little atten-
tion to the barn-yard manure. They fatten their hogs. in
pens, built close by creeks and springs, that the hogs may
easily get water. The first heavy rains of winter wash the
manure into the streams, and is thus lost to them. The ash
pile is suffered to accumulate for years. Thus is the land
impoverished by continual cropping, and restoring nothing
to it.

2. Tramerine Fire.ps.—One of the injurious consequences
resulting from the cultivation of corn, is the trampling of the
field during winter and early spring, by turning stock into it
to. gather up the fodder. This ought to be done in dry or
very cold weather only, but the fence once let down, the
stock is suffered to have free access until the field is again to
be ploughed. Then it is found to be cloddy and heavy, and
in a great degree unfit for cultivation.

3. WANT OF BLUE GRASS PASTURES.—Many of the evils I
have alluded to, result from this want. To supply it, the
farmer toils through the spring and summer, to raise food
with which to keep his stock through the winter. This food
is corn and corn-fodder. His arable ground finds no rest,
whilst in general, one-half his land remains a forest. The
recent census shows that in Monroe county there is a geater
number of unimproved acres than improved. The former
are 92,473, the latter 83,200. The capital invested in the
first is not less than three quarters of a million dollars, yield-
ing but little income. All of this land could be made pro-
ductive with but little labor, and no loss of valuable timber.
Every acre of our woodlands could be turned into blue grass
pastures. Why it has not been done, I cannot state, for I
have yet to meet with the farmer who did not, at once, admit
their great value. It is neither expensive nor laborious to

133

make them. They ought to be reserved for winter and spring
pastures. Every farmer owning 160 acres should have one-
half in blue grass—40 acres untouched until the first of De-
cember, and another 40 for the months of April and May.
His winter feeding would be not a half what it now is, and
his stock always kept in far better condition. His own toil
in the spring and summer would be thirty per cent. less, and
the exhaustion of his land fifty per cent. less. Once set, the
grass would always keep its hold, and the timber become
more valuable, for the ground being freed from that which is
worthless, would better sustain the remaining trees. And I]
know of no sight that the eye would rather look upon, than
such a county as Monroe, with its undulating and hilly sur-
face, covered with meadows and woodland pastures, through
which coursed over limestone rock, its pure and numberless
streams of water. As it now is, unenclosed and uninviting
woods meet the eye everywhere.

As the attention of the farmers of our State, as well as
those of our county, must be directed to this subject, I avail
myself of this opportunity to give the most approved modes
of making these pastures, as practised by some of our hest
farmers.

1. Or woopnanns THAT HAVE NO WEEDS oR WILD GRAss.—
In the spring or summer deaden alll useless timber and sap-
lings; cut down none but the smallest saplings. Late in the
fall when all the leaves are down, burn them clean, for they
prevent the seed from reaching the ground, and consequently
it will not vegetate. If they are not in sufficient quantity to
burn, rake them together, and then burn them.

In February, sow the seed. As to the quantity there is no
danger of putting on too much, but much that too little will
be puton. Blue grass grows weak at first, whilst it flourishes
well when very thick. Some of our farmers prefer sowing
timothy with it, as it furnishes pasture immediately, but is
rooted out by the blue grass.

2. Where woods have been gradually thinned, weeds and

134

wild grasses take hold, and the ground is harder. Asa gen-
eral rule such land ought to be plowed, if very thick with
weeds and grass and hard. It should then be leveled with
the harrow and sown as already directed. But some of our
farmers have succeeded without plowing. The after culture
consists in keeping out the iron-weed. This can be done
only by eradicating it, whenever it shows itself. One of our
most experienced and intelligent farmers, Mr. Edward Borland,
informed me that for about sixteen years he has mown them
down, once every year and sometimes twice, on one of his
pastures, but without any other effect than to make the stalk
more slender. It would, he said, have been much cheaper to
have grubbed them up at once. Where they have got no
hold, he carefully pulls up every one that shows itself.

Many autumns are too wet to burn the leaves, and a farmer
having purchased seed risks sowing it on the leaves. This is
wrong. Kither he should wait, or by raking the leaves be
enabled to burn them.

The kinds of seed are the Kentucky and English blue
grass. The latter is preferred for winter pastures, as it con-
tinues greener longer, and grows sooner in the spring. It
will grow in thicker woods than the Kentucky. A consid-
erable portion of this seed is annually gathered in our
county.

On the general subject of the present condition of our ag-
riculture, | have but to add, that the large and constantly
increasing amount of clover sown in our county, gives one
of the best evidences of our progress. But there remains
much to accomplish, and a wide field is opened to our asso-
ciation, for the performance of that duty which it owes to
society and the occupation of its members.

The law makes it my duty to lay before the State Board
copies of all addresses that have been made to the society:
In November last, the late President Wylie addressed us ex-
temporaneously, having given him but two days’ notice of
our desire that he would address us. I requested him to give

135

me a written copy of his remarks, but on the fifth day after
their delivery, he departed this life, leaving a void in our
community that cannot be filled, especially with those, who
like myself, enjoyed his instruction and counsel, and for more
than twenty years, a social intercourse, the remembrance of
which no time or circumstances can obliterate.

His address to our society was his last public discourse,
and agriculture was, of all other subjects, the most fitted for
it, because it linked together his earliest and latest days. As
indicative of the character of a large portion of the address
I give the following contrast which he drew between the
country and town life.

Referring to the condition of agriculturists as regards the
welfare of their children, he said, that during his long ex-
perience as a teacher, (he had been President for forty years)
he never knew the son of a farmer to have failed in educa-
ting himself, whilst the sons of those following other occupa-
tions often failed. He attributed their success to the fact,
that farming gives constant employment to every portion of
the farmer’s family, and thus, from earliest infancy, his chil-
dren acquire habits of application. The labor of the day
invigorates their system, and at night they are glad to seek
repose, and thus they grow up with strong constitutions,
sustained by moral habits. But those living in towns, too
often spend the day in idleness, and at night seek excitements
by which to pass away their time, thus enervating their
physical powers, and acquiring vicious habits that destroy
their success in after life. The college, he said, was no place
to change these habits. For good or for ill, they are formed
under the parental roof. ;

The farmer, it was true, seldom accumulated what was
termed a fortune, but a competent living, such as it was best
for man to enjoy, was always within his power. It was an
existence freed from the moral dangers to which those con-
gregated in towns and cities are liable, and secured that
health without which no enjoyment could be derived from

136

wealth. So strong were his convictions of these truths, that
he was led to come to this State, where he could purchase
land upon which to bring up his own family. He himself
had been raised upon a farm, and he had first read the Geor-
gies of Virgil, whilst resting, although, he added with a smile,
he sometimes whilst thus engaged, allowed the horses to eat
longer than his father thought necessary.

I have only to add, that in preparing this report, ] have
endeavored to give a general outline of the present condition
of the agriculture of Monroe county, with such observations
as I thought best calculated to correct some prevailing errors.
My presence at Indianapolis, for some weeks past, required
me to prepare the report there, on account of which I have
been deprived of the assistance of Mr. Samuel Dunn, the
Secretary of the Society, whose intelligence and greater ag-
ricultural experience, would have made his aid valuable.

LEWIS BOLLMAN, President.

December 25, 1851.

MORGAN COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE MORGAN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the President of the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture :

The following is a copy of the printed list of premiums
offered by the said society at its first annual Fair, held in
Martinsville on the 25th day of October last, together with
an abstract of the Treasurer’s report, to-wit:

137

ON HORSES, JACKS AND MULES.

Best horse, William Cunningham--.----+.---- $5 00
Qd best horse, William Knox-+++-+-+++eeeeeeee Diploma.
Best jack, William Cunningham.-+++-++-++++.. 2 00
Qd best jack, William Knox-++++++eeeeeeeeees Diploma.
Best year old colt, Ira Hadley-++++++++s+eeeee 2 00
Qd best year old colt, Wm. Hughes. ---+-+-+-+.-. Diploma.
Best sucking colt, Wm. Knox-++++++++++.eee, 1 50
Qd best sucking colt, Henry Sims---.---...+.- Diploma.
Best brood mare, John A. Riggins.-+-.+...+.. 3 00
2d best brood mare, Allen Hicklin..-......... Diploma.
Best mule, James M. Mitchell. ..-++-+---+...00. 3 00
CATTLE.
Best bull, Elijah Paddock: +++++++seeseeseeees 4 00
Qd best bull, Grant Stafford. + +++ + see eeee eee Diploma.
Best cow, Elijah Paddock++++++s+seeseeerees 2 00
Best calf, Elijah Paddock. ++++++++sseeeeesees 1 00
Qd best calf, Elijah Paddock«++++++e+eseeeeeee Diploma.
Best yoke of oxen, James C. Henderson------- 2 00
Qd best yoke of oxen, James C, Henderson----- Diploma.
HOGS.

Best boar, James Cunningham: ++++++++++e+e+s 2 00
Qd best boar, W. H. Craig-+ ++ sees eseeeeecees Diploma.
GRAIN.

Best bushel of wheat, Joel Mathews----.-.-+-- 1 00
2d best bushel of wheat, Isaac G. Fletcher----- Diploma.
Best 60 ears of corn, George W. Egbert---+--> 50

2d best 60 ears of corn, Robert B. Major--:--- Diploma.

138

ARTICLES MANUFACTURED OF LEATHER.

Best saddle and bridle, Thomas Nutter--.---.. 1 00

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Best 5 yards of jeans, James Stockwell-...-..- 1 00
Best 8 yards of flannel, Isaac G. Fletcher....-. 1 90
VEGETABLES.

Best peck of onions, Isaac G. Fletcher---+--+.- 50
Best bushel of Irish potatoes, Absalom Jarret: - 50
Best 10 lbs. of cheese, Amos Lawrence----...- 50
Best butter, James Stockwell. +--.......s.0.. 50

ABSTRACT OF TREASURER’S REPORT, MADE NOVEMBER 27,

1851, TO WIT:
Receipts.
Received by subscription: +++++++++-+- $74 00
Received out of county treasury: ++--- 50 00
Total receipts: +++seseeeeceeeeeeees $124 00
Disbursements.
Paid for blank book for Secretary.+++-- 1 50
Paid on account of premiums--+-+++++- 35 75
Total disbursements++++-+++eeeeeees 37 25

Leaving a balance in the treasury at the date of
Said report, Ofs s+ essere cereeceeeeereseseerens $86 '75

There was no statements of successful contributors for
premiums on crops, &c., detailing the mode of tillage, &c.,
handed in.

139

This society was organized in August last, by electing
Wm. H. Crate, President ;
‘Wm. G. Quick, Vice President;
James Jackson, Treasurer ;
L. Reynoxps, Secretary ;

And Directors for each township in said county.

A committee was appointed to draft a constitution for the
government of the society, which was thereupon reported
and adopted.

At a meeting of the society, held in Martinsville, on the
23d day of August last past, a committee before that time
appointed for that purpose, reported a list of articles to be
offered in competition for premiums, which was adopted.

And a committee thereupon appointed to fix the amount
of premiums to be awarded on the respective articles therein
specified, at the first annual fair, to be holden on the 28th of
October, 1851, which said committee afterward reported the
same.

The society held its first annual fair on the 25th day of
October last, which, owing to the late period at which the
society was organized, and the inclemency of the weather,
was rather poorly attended, though better than was antici-
pated under the circumstances.

There was a meeting of the Board of Directors held on
the first of the present month, at which there were commit-
tees appointed, consisting of three individuals in each town-
ship, to solicit subscription of stock and members.

The society has now seventy-five members, and bids fair
to become useful—seems to be progressing very well, and
growing in interest. We anticipate a splendid fair next fall,
in fine stock, farming, &c.

There have not been any addresses delivered on the subject
of agriculture in the society.

The greatest staple of our county is hogs, as appears from
the census returns of 1850. We have 1,448 farms in this

140

county, which will average not less than thirty fatted hogs each,
making 43,440 fatted hogs in the county.

Wheat is extensively grown here, and will average about
100 bushels to the farm, which would give 144,800 bushels.

Corn is raised in great abundance, the average yield being
about 1,000 bushels to the farm, making 1,448,000 bushels.
The average yield per acre of corn, is about 50 bushels, while
in the bottom farm we frequently get 100 bushels per acre;
15 bushels of wheat is about an average crop per acre, and
30 bushels of oats.

The average price of pork for this season is, $3 75; wheat,
50 cents; oats, 15 cents; all of which are principally sold at
Franklin, Edinburgh and Madison. Though a large quantity
of pork is packed at Martinsville by our merchants, which
together with large amounts of wheat and corn, are annually
shipped in flat-boats to New Orleans, and other points on
the river. It is supposed that one-half of all the staple pro-
ducts of the county are thus conveyed off to the latter mar-
ket ; though this method will soon be abandoned, as we will
have a railroad in operation early next season.

Since the formation of our society, our citizens have com-
menced looking about for improved breeds of cattle, hogs,
&c. James Jackson, Esq., our present Treasurer, has taken
the lead in this matter, by bringing in a pair of fine colts, at a
large cost.

Numerous agricultural papers and pamphlets are being
subscribed for, and circulated in this county.

W. H. CRAIG,
President of Morgan Co. Ag. Society.

L. Reynonps, Secretary.

14]

OHIO AND SWITZERLAND COUNTIES.

REPORT OF THE OHIO AND SWITZERLAND COUNTIES AGRI-
CULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture:

In accordance with an act of the Legislature of the State
of Indiana, approved February 14, 1851, we submit to the
State Board a brief report of the organization of the agri-
cultural society composed of the counties of Ohio and
Switzerland, in the State of Indiana.

After having held three meetings in accordance with pre-
vious notice, the society was fully organized, and the Treas-
urer, Jacob R. Harris, reported that there was an amount of
money in his hands sufficient to authorize the society to draw
from the treasurers of the two counties, the moneys in their
hands, that the law gives to the societies organized by the
act above referred to. By an order of the society the officers
were requested to present to the treasurers of Ohio and
Switzerland counties the proper vouchers, and draw there-
from the moneys due the society, and deposit the same in the
hands of the treasurer.

The meeting then adjourned to meet at Quercus Grove, on
the first Saturday in April, 1852.

JOHN HALL, President.

W. M. Frencu, Secretary.

Inasmuch as this is the first society that has been organ-
ized in this part of the State, it might not be considered out
of place, to speak of the principal productions of the different
kinds of our soil.

Our lands that are the most productive, lie on the margin

142

of the Ohio river and Laughery creek; they are very valuable
in consequence of their richness, many portions of which
will never wear out, because of receiving a fresh coat of ma-
nure at every spring freshet, and some seasons oftener. In-
dian corn is grown in these lands in larger quantities than
any other grain. In fact it may be said to be the leading and
decidedly the most important and profitable crop to the Ohio
county, and also to the Switzerland county farmer. The
article of Indian corn is more or less used as food in various
forms, entering into the entire system of the farmer, furnish-
ing in large proportion the most economical, and desirable
extra food for working-cattle, horses, beef-cattle, hogs and
stock of all kinds; and from the comparative certainty of
obtaining a crop, under all the vicissitudes of seasons and
accidents, it would be hazarding little to say, that fifty per
cent. of the entire profits of Ohio county, and probably
Switzerland too, in agricultural operations flow directly or
indirectly from the production of Indian corn alone. The
manner of raising Indian corn is so uniform and well under-
stood by the citizens of the State, that it would be unneces-
sary to say anything on that subject. Next to corn, is the
article of what we in this country usually denominate Irish
potatoes, they are probably raised in greater quantities in
Ohio than any other county in the State. It is not an unu-
sual thing for one farmer to cultivate forty acres in one year,
producing from fifty to three hundred bushels per acre.

In Switzerland county, after leaving the bottom lands
bordering on the Ohio river, the soil is better adapted to the
production of grass than any other article, and it may of a
truth be said of this county, that but few counties in the
State excel her in the improvements and facilities brought
directly to bear in the culture, saving, curing and preparing
this commodity for sale or shipment. The same is true to
some extent of Ohio. The farmers are beginning to view
the subject of agriculture as a science, and we think that as
the soil wears, this subject will increase in importance, and

143

be more thoroughly examined by those interested. Heretofore
there was not the inducement for farmers to study the subject
as now, from the fact, that the lands were so rich and produc-
tive that a large crop could be realized every year by going
through a certain routine of work, without paying but very
little attention to the seed or preparation of the soil. And
in addition to this there has been a prejudice in the minds of
the farmers to anything like book farming. They think that
they are taught by experience that it is better to stick to the
old land marks, and that nine-tenths of all experiments in
our branch of industry better suits for periodicals and com-
mon talk than for profit. It is true however, that improve-
ments of real practical value are not of every day occur-
rence, but are rare, and ought when they are sought out to
be treasured up and be extensively circulated among the
farming community.

There are many important items which we would like
to lay before this board, but being disappointed of the means
of information, by John Dumont not being at home, who, |
conceived to be most capable of giving a concise report of
the cultivation of the grape vine in Switzerland county,
which we will report at an early day and lay it before this
board.

Respectfully submitted :
JOHN HALL,
President of Ohio & Switzerland Co. Ag. So.

144

ADDRESS OF JOHN DUMONT, ESQ.,

Delivered at the organization of the Switzerland and Ohio County Agricultural
Society, Oct. 18, 1851.

Frttow Citizens cr OHIO AND SwITZERLAND COUNTIES:

The sustenance and apparel of all mankind are derived from the earth, and
the waters of the earth.

The small portion that is obtained from the waters by fishing, makes it a
self-evident truth that agriculture is the paramount interest of all the inhabi-
tants of the globe.

Whatever be the calling, profession, trade or business of those who do not
cultivate the earth, they are principally clothed and fed by its productions.

Commerce, so beneficial to man, would cease to exist were the cultivation
of the earth neglected; or if it continued it would be limited to the transpor-
tation of fish and the production of the mines, and the fisheries and the pro-
duction of valuable metals, and their manufacture would dwindle too low
to be the subjects of commerce without the aid of bread and clothing that
are supplied by husbandry. ,

The fields of the husbandman supply the cotton and wool, flax and hemp,
and the cocoons for silk, which give employment to the manufacturers of
clothing and cordage. The grain and meat and butter supplied by the farmer
are their principal sustenance. Without the supplies furnished by the loom
and other mechanical productions, and the fields, commerce would be almost
annihilated. Manufactures and commerce depend upon the productions of
the earth for their continuance. The earth is our mother, on whose lap we
repose, by whom we are nourished, with whose beauties delightful sensations
are produced. Its culture leads to a contemplation of the Divinity who crea-
ted it. The tillage of the earth fills the heart with adoration of the great
giver of all the blessings derived from its cultivation. What pursuit so noble?
What calling so elevated? What avocation so sublime? None. The Empe-
ror of the Celestial Empire, in all the days of the year, is never so illustri-
ously employed as on that day which he devotes to holding the plow, in the
presence of his mandarins and his people; an example to them that the culti-
vation of the earth is worthy of the hands of him who is first of the Celes-
tials, and who esteems all other people as barbarians. A calling so highly
honorable, so transcendantly useful, is worthy of being brought to the highest
state of perfection—to be understood thoroughly by all who are engaged in it.
This is so far from being the fact, that a large majority of farmers in this
country are grossly ignorant of the best means whereby to derive pleasure
and profit from their avocation, and some, alas! far too many, have not even
3, desire for information.

A science almost boundless in extent, and endless in improvement, as that

145

of agriculture is, and must remain, from which nearly all mortal enjoyments
are derived, is of so vast an interest to man, that it is almost wonderful it
should so long have been neglected by the inhabitants of the great west, and
that it should be almost the last to be noticed as worthy of acquisition. But
there are reasons which have naturally tended to its neglect. The soil was
new and unsurpassed in fertility, game abounded, and the half-hunter life of
the pioneers procured abundance of food with a small amount of tillage. The
earth yielded vast products almost spontaneously, and the thought that what
now is will be likely to remain, induced indolence and carelessness. They
neglected and mismanaged the soil until it became greatly deteriorated, with-
out acquiring the knowledge for its preservation or improvement, leaving to
after generations to acquire the skill and perform the labor of its resuscitation.

Necessity gives rise to industry and invention, and the more sterile parts
of the world, when densely populated, are the best cultivated. The necessity
that has driven man, in all such countries, has excited all his faculties to pro-
cure food and raiment, and these he has procured by causing the barren soil
to bring forth its products in abundance. To effect which, the acquisition of
knowledge was necessary. Without skill he would not have improved his
condition, but would have toiled on as the ox, and each succeeding year would
have yielded him a more scanty recompense.

The Egyptians invented irrigation, and supplied the want of rain so preva-
lent in that country, by the waters which they preserved in canals and reser-
voirs, from the overflowings of the Nile. And that King of Egypt who
made an artificial lake, called Moeris, in which to preserve a vast amount of
water to supply the wants for irrigation, did more for his country and man-
kind, than all the ancient Pharaohs who built the pyramids, whose names are
forgotten, and whose bodies are subjects of traflic—mummies, useless in death
as their lives were inglorious.

By skill and industry, the water that runs uselessly from the elevated lands,
may be made subservient to the production of grasses and grains, and to
supply the frequent deficiencies of rain. In level places, where the advan-
tages of conducting the water through races cannot be obtained, dams with
trifling expense may be made on every little run, to save the water for the
irrigation of the adjacent grounds ; and by cisterns, a sufficient supply of
water may be saved to insure a luxuriant garden to every householder. Were
these advantages generally known, as well as the most eligible modes of
their application, they would soon be in general use, if not deemed indispen-
sible to the practical farmer and gardener.

In the neighborhood of Edinburgh in Scotland, irrigation has been brought
to such perfection that irrigated meadow lands have rented for seven fold
the price obtained as rent for the same meadows before this mode of enriching
them was applied.

In China, where the country is peopled more densely than any other part
of the globe, they have learned and practice the arts necessary to feed and
clothe so great a population. There, all that can enrich the earth, all that is

146

food for vegetation, either in solid or liquid form, is carefully preserved and
skillfully applied. Every acre, every foot of land is made to yield.

In Europe, agriculture and gardening have been brought to great perfection,
and in those countries skill has eventuated in great wealth to the owners and
tillers of the soil.

In the eastern parts of the United States, aided by agricultural associations,
astonishing increase in products has been obtained. The meeting of these
societies, and the exhibitions at the fairs, have given a general interest to the
subject ; the beholders seeing what has been done by others, reasonably con-
clude that they can do as much or more. They have treasured up the infor-
mation of the means to attain the object, and applied their knowledge and
industry to equal and surpass what others have accomplished. Thus a whole
agricultural people have been changed from toiling plodders, who followed
the same invariable routine from sire to son for ages, to be enlightened, scien-
tific, and wealthy farmers.

Without books or newspapers devoted to the subject, rapid and valuable
advances cannot be attained. The mind must be stored with knowledge to
give efficient direction to the hands. What is learned by toil and experience
is the most enduring and valuable knowledge, but is too slowly acquired to
be extensively valuable. When the divers experience of many is recorded
and made public by printing, and generally read by those engaged in the
same pursuit, it will result in a march of mind that may be compared to the
improvement made by the electric telegraph, upon the post-horse system of
conveying news.

With a population of nearly 4,000 voters, why do we not have and support
one or more agricultural papers in these counties? Because the subject of
agricultural improvement is not as yet, one of general interest. But let a so-
ciety be formed and fairs be established, and the public mind will be on the
enquiry; the people will be hungry for information, and they will be fed.

A farmer properly educated for his business, is to no small extent a learned
man. He is master of the greatest terrestrial subject of human knowledge.
The application of chemistry enables him to apply advantageously, the pro-
per nourishment for plants and animals. He should be informed of the con-
stituent parts of the earth which he cultivates, to enable him to know what
ingredients are wanting to render it fertile. The more extensive his informa-
tion, the better is he fitted for the successful tillage of the earth. Nor will it
be difficult hereafter for men to become scientific farmers, if we of the present
day perform our duty and begin the work. Information will flow in and be
greedily devoured, and the youths as they grow, will from infancy be imbibing
instruction by both theory and practice, and many of them will become learn-
ed, as their bodies have increased in stature, without themselves perceiving
the progress.

Many parents are mistaken in educating their sons for the learned profes-
sions, thinking thereby to elevate their rank in society, or to enable them to
accumulate wealth, or to render their future lives less laborious. The lawyer,
the physician, or divine, who has much business and attends to it faithfully,

147

jeads a more laborious life than the prudent and managing farmer. The suc-
cessful merchant must necessarily be a laborious man: sleepless nights and
anxious days, are a portion of the tribute paid by merchants, lawyers and
doctors, for their fortunes and their celebrity.

Of the young man who is about to select a business for life, I would inquire,
do you wish honors? Then apply yourself to agriculture; for in no station
can you acquire more glory than in being perfect master of this business.
The great Washington was a farmer, and the first and best farmer in the thir-
teen United States. Cincinnatus was called from the plow to be the dictator
of Rome. King David was ashepherd. There is no calling in life so favora-
ble to popularity as that of the intelligent farmer. Do you wish wealth?
There is no pursuit so certain to be rewarded with all necessary riches, as his
who depends upon the products of the earth. Do you wish health? It is
more generally bestowed upon those who breathe the fresh air of the country,
and peculiarly to those whose occupation is among the flocks and herds,
and who stir the soil, and regale themselves with the odors of the meadow
and the garden. Is the youth of feeble constitution? If the parent wishes
to shorten his days, he can most likely insure his desire by placing him at
the merchant’s desk, or at one of the professions of law or medicine. His
constitution, on the other hand, would most likely be invigorated by employ-
ment in rural pursuits. Does any one wish a pleasurable life? He cannot
expect pleasure without employment. Idleness is the bane of happiness: to
have nothing to do, and to be at a loss where to go, is a position near the top
round of the ladder of misery. If the bleating of flocks, the lowing of herds,
the prancing of colts, the humming of bees, the melody of birds, the beauti-
ful scenery of the well cultivated farm, the glories of the garden, the enjoy-
ment of plenty in its greatest delicacies, always at hand, fresh and pure, to
gratify the most fastidious appetite, and a surplus with which to relieve the
needy, the certain prospect of wealth, and the reflection that all this has been
obtained by his own industry and good management, with a heart of grati-
tude to the disposer of blessings, can render a man happy, then is the skillful
and industrious farmer among the happiest of mortals.

To be free from debt, not dependant on the success or failure of others to
any great extent, is one great advantage which the farmer possesses over the
merchant. He is not corroded with anxiety, nor made restless by the sleepless
nights which disturb the repose of the merchant and the professional man.
While he sleeps, his calves are growing, his swine are fattening, his crops ad-
vancing to perfection. His streams of plenty and wealth are flowing, while
he enjoys the repose of the night, and he is awakened in the morning by the
melodious carols of the robin and other songsters that rest in security on the
trees and shrubbery which he has planted around his dwelling. He has his
children around him, and he watches their development and education.
They are aloof from the snares and contamination of the city. He lays in
stores of useful and entertaining books by which they may be instructed and
amused during long winter evenings, and at other times of leisure. He
always does or should take a good newspaper, by which he and his children

148

are kept even with the times respecting transpiring events ; and he will haye
in addition, one or more papers devoted to agriculture and horticulture, to
enable him to be profited by the knowledge of others, and to direct all his
energies and resources to the best known advantage. It was said by some
wise man, that he who has caused two blades of grass to grow where but one
could grow before, has done more good, and is a greater public benefactor,
than the conqueror of armies.

One hundred per cent. advance in the productions of the earth, would sus-
tain double the population, or in effect it would double the number of acres
of land. On the poor soils of the country a greater improvement than this
may be obtained. Why then is it not done? For the lack of knowledge
and enterprise, experiments are sometimes disastrous, tending to individual
losses: and one man, unaided by the experiments of others, might spend a
long life aud die in poverty, leaving posterity to reap the advantages of his
few beneficial discoveries. But where hundreds and thousands are searching
for valuable truths, and congregating together occasionally to enrich each
other’s minds with the results of all they have achieved and the means adopt-
ed to produce those results, there will be a rapid improvement in all, both in
knowledge and wealth ; all will be benefitted by the discoveries of each, and
no individual be made less wise or less wealthy by his contributions to the
general stock. A congregation of knowledge for the purpose of imparting it,
so different from the distributions of money, that he who gives is a gainer ;
all possess the knowledge of each, all receive in the act of bestowing, all
grow rich, and no one is impoverished by his contributions.

Agricultural associations exeite emulation, and bring into active employ-
ment the minds of nearly all its members, and when many minds are at the
same time searching for truths connected with any subject susceptible of im-
provement, the velocity with which discoveries will be made, will increase
with the numbers employed in the research. Time will not now admit of
reciting all the advantages and pleasures attendant upon agricultural meetings,
and were there time, I would feel myself unequal to the task; I will mention
a few and close.

The exhibitions of the plowing match, the rivalry in the prowess with the
scythe, the sickle, and the cradle, will interest the athletic youths who toil in
the strife ; the aged can look on delighted with the scene, thankful that the
times and the manners have so changed, that the youth may be amused in
exercises tending only to advantage, that the fashions of savage ferocity ac-
companied with drinking and fighting, have given place to the gentle strifes
of peace. Here too, will be exhibited a panorama of the best specimens of all
the elegant, curious and useful animals in the district. Here the lovely
maidens will present their boquets of flowers, specimens of their own handi-
craft in spinning, weaving and coloring, samples of butter and cheese, better
and finer than eastern nabob ever feasted on. And last, though not least,
those who reared and culled the flowers, who made the butter, who pressed
the cheese, who spun the yarn, who colored the web, who wove the variegated
pieces, who bleached the diaper, will be there in their own proper persons,

149

not by proxy; fashion will make their presence commendable. And there
worthy youths will gather to behold the finest specimens of the last and best
finished work of creation.

Here is a large and respectable assembly now ready to embark in this im-
portant work. We are late in commencing ; our district of country has been
long settled; our two counties are politically allied ; we will strengthen the
alliance by a friendly strife and competition, and that strife will be, to arrive
at the highest attainable point in beautifying the earth, and rendering it still
more and more subservient to human happiness.

PARKE COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE PARKE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

In compliance with the provisions of the law, the Board of
the Parke County Agricultural Society report:

That the society numbers about ninety members, a ma-
jority of whom take a great interest in the doings of the
society, which seems prosperous, and bids fair to do much
good in the county. This society was first organized in the
year 1837, but there being so little interest manifested,
soon went down, and was again re-organized in 1844; since
that time it has kept up an organization, having its regular
meetings, annual fairs, &c. During the present year, there
have been many additions of members. The fair of the pre-
sent year, exceeded any previous one, in the number in
attendance, and in the enthusiasm manifested. There was a
large amount of stock exhibited, also, many articles of do-
mestic manufacture, including mechanical articles, fruits and
other productions of the soil, a display of which our citizens

150°

should ever feel proud. The ladies’ department exhibited
many articles of taste and value.
The officers of the society are—
Gen. G. K. Streets, President.
Hon. W. C. Danaxpson, Vice President.
Jas. B. Cornetius, Secretary.

Lewis Miter, Esa.,

Harvey N. Apams, Esq.,

Waker Apams, Esq., |

Prec Reprievp, Directors.
Davin Exper, Esq.,

H. H. Anperson,

Sotomon ALLEN, J

1. Principat Crors.—Wheat, corn, oats, hay, rye, barley,
buckwheat, fruits, to which may be added, horses, cattle,
hogs and sheep.

2. Wuerat.—Usual average product, twenty bushels per
acre. Varieties, Mediterranean, Red-chaff. The crop this
year is unusually good ; will average from twenty to twenty-
five bushels per acre, consequently we have a large surplus,
We suppose one hundred and fifty thousand bushels. Price,
forty-five cents per bushel, making an aggregate of $67,500.

3. Corn.—There was a large quantity of corn raised, a
very small quantity of which was shipped, mostly being fed
in the county. In consequence of the high freshets in the
Wabash river, but little corn was raised in the bottom land.
Average crop for our county is from fifty to seventy-five
bushels per acre.

4. Oars.—A very good crop raised this season—mostly
fed in the county. Price, sixteen cents per bushel.

5. Ryz anp Bartey.—Not much of either raised in our
county. Rye is principally raised for pasture. Barley raised
for breweries, and sold at fifty cents per bushel.

6. Grass anp Hay.—Timothy is considered the best for
meadow; a large quantity is raised in the county, principally
fed in the county. Our soil is peculiarly adapted to the rais-
ing of timothy. Average quantity raised per acre, two tons.

151

Clover, raised mostly for the purpose of feeding hogs, and
enriching the soil. Blue grass, preferred for pasture and con-
sidered best for both summer and winter pasture.

7. Roor Crop.—Potatoes—not an average crop this year,
owing to the drowth in the latter part of the season. Pota-
toes were not much diseased with the rot. Sweet potatoes
were raised in a large quantity this season, mostly consumed
in the county; also considerable quantities of turnips.

8. Frax anp Hemp.—Raised in small quantities.

9. Darry Propucrs.—A few of our farmers have turned
their attention to making cheese, and although not exten-
sively engaged in its manufacture find it a very profitable
business. Considerable butter made, not much of which,
however, is shipped.

10. Porx.—The greater portion of our farmers have
turned their attention to raising hogs, thinking it the most
profitable business in which they can engage. From the
best estimate which we can make, seventeen thousand hogs
were fatted in our county, and sold at Terre Haute, Monte-
zuma and other points on the Wabash river, at an average
of about $9 per head, making an aggregate of $153,000.
There has not been that attention paid to the breeds of hogs
by our farmers that there should have been.

1l. Carrie.—Of the number of cattle, we have no relia-
ble source of information, but think that no less than two
thousand head have been bought and driven during the past
year from our county to the east and other directions, at an
average of $12 per head, making an aggregate of $24,000.

12. Horses anp Mutes.—Horses form a very important
item in the product of our county, and although there has
not been as much attention to procuring pure blooded horses
to breed from, as in some other counties, nevertheless we
produce a quality which readily sell at an average of from
seventy to eighty dollars per head. Mules—a number of our
farmers have turned their attention to the raising of mules,
as they think it more profitable, than the raising of horses or

152

cattle; they come to maturity much sooner, and command
the cash at any age. There have been several fine jacks
brought into the county from Kentucky and other States,
within the last two years, which has greatly improved the
stock of mules. We think, that there has been sold and
driven away the past year at least two hundred mules.
Average, say $50 per head, making an aggregate of $10,000.

13. Saeer anp Woout.—Our farmers have raised but little
wool to ship until the last two years. It would be difficult
to say, what number of sheep is now in the county, as the
number varies more or less each year, for the reason that
some years large quantities are bought up and driven off to
market, and other years but few. Almost all of our farmers
have more or less sheep. We think that the raising of sheep
would be one of the most profitable operations, which our
men who deal in stock could turn their attention to, as our
soil is dry and healthy, as well as having an immense water
power to manufacture the wool. We suppose we have
twenty thousand sheep of different grades, producing say,
one and a-half pounds of wool per head, 30,000 pounds, at
thirty cents per pound, making an aggregate of $9,000, most
of which is manufactured in the county.

14. Frurrs—We have a variety of fruits. Apples are
our principal crop. Almost every farmer in the county has
an orchard of the best grafted fruit. We have several exten-
sive nurseries in the county, from which a large quantity of
trees are yearly sent off. We have commenced shipping
apples in a green state the last few years, and find it very
profitable. Our crop was not large this season. A very few
peaches this year.

15. Imp.tements.—Our county has made but little progress
in new improvements. We have no subsoil plows, and but
few rollers in the county. Yet, we have a number of shops
in the county, which manufacture plows that are said to be
of a good quality—the kind principally used by our farmers.
We are not aware that any particular experiments have

153

been made, but we can say, there is a decided improvement
in the mode of culture—a more thorough breaking up and
preparation of the soil, the application of manure to the
same.

16. Minerats.—We have inexhaustible beds of coal in va-
rious portions of the county, as yet they have been but little
worked. We may soon expect a fine profit from the work-
ing of these beds. We have considerable iron ore in the
county.

17. Mitis.—We have in the county fifteen good merchant
flouring mills, and about forty saw mills, a part of which are
propelled by steam. Also, two woolen manufacturing estab-
lishments, beside a number of carding machines, oil mills, &c.
Our county is highly favored with water power—the Wa-
bash river and Wabash and Erie canal on the west, Sugar
creek on the north, Little and Big Raccoon on the east and
south, with their numerous tributaries, giving us a very
superior advantage in that respect over any other county in
the State.

18. Roaps.—The Indianapolis and Springfield plank road
goes through our county, which is already completed through
the county, a distance of eighteen miles. This road is of
great utility to our farmers in carrying off their surplus pro-
duce to the canal, and will yield a handsome profit to the
stockholders.

REPORT OF PREMIUMS AWARDED AT THE PARKE
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To Harvey N. Adams, for the best cultivated farm of 320 acres, (see report) $4 00

To Wm. Wildman, for the best nursery of fruit trees, - - - 100
To John E. Adams, best acre of corn, supposed to be 118 bushels to
the acre, (see report and manner of raising,) - - - t 00

To Alfred Hadley, 106 bushels 314 pecks corn to the acre, certificate granted.
To H. H. Anderson, 2d best com., 104 bush, to the acre, (see reports) certificate.
To W. C. Danaldson, for the best wheat, - - - - 100

154

To Perley Mitchell, for best 14 acre Irish Potatoes, (see report of raising) 0 50

To Samuel Kelly, best apples, - - - Certificate granted.
To Peleg Redfield, 2d best apples, - - - - Certificate.
To Solomon Allen, good variety, - - - - Certificate.
To Joel Reynolds, best beets, - - - - - Certificate.
To W. C. Danaldson, best raddish, - - - - Certificate.
To Dr. Stryker, best quinces, - - - - - Certificate.

STOCK KIND.

Aquilla Justus, best stallion, = - - - - - - $5 00
Alfred Hadley, 2d best stallion, = - - - - - 2 30
Lewis Miller, 1st best brood mare, - - - - - 3 00
Samuel McNutt, 2d best brood mare, - - - - 1 50
James M. Crooks, best sucking colt, very fine stock and beautiful animal, 1 00
David Elder 2d best sucking colt, - = : - - 50
Alfred Hadley, 1st best 3 year old stallion, - - - 1 00
John Ens worth, Ist best two year old stallion, - - - ed OO
I. J. Silliman, 2d best two year old stallion, - . - 50
Samuel H. McNutt, best three year old mare, - - - Certificate.
C. P. Clark, best gelding, - - - - - Certificate.
H. Crooks, 2d best gelding, - - - - - Certificate.
Calvin Anderson, best yearling colt, - - - . 1 00
Lewis Miller, 2d best yearling colt, - - - - - 50
David Demaree, best jack and jennett, - - - - 7 00
P. E. Harris, 2d best jack, ~ - - - - - 250
H. N. Adams, 2d best jennett, - - - - - 1 00
H. N. Adams, Ist best one year old jennett, - - - - 100
David Demaree, best sucking jack colt, - - - - 1 00
N. H. Adams, 2d best sucking jack colt, - - - = 50
Wm. Ross, 2d best year old jack, - - - - - 50
H. N. Adams, Ist and 2d best sucking mules, - - - - 150

STOCK CATTLE.

A. Hadley, best 2 year old bull, (1st quality)

‘
‘
'
f
ww
S
oO

A. Hadley, best cow, giving milk, do - - - - 200
A. Hadley, 2d best heifer, (1st quality,) - - - - 1 00
A. Hadley, best heifer, (common stock) - - - - - 1 00
R. Hill, 1 cow giving milk, 2d quality, - - - : 1 00
R. Hill, 1 calf, 2d quality, - - - - : - 930
R. Hill, 1 calf five months old, 2d quality, - - - - 50
Sol. Allen, best 3 year old bull, common stock, - - - - 300
Sol. Allen, heifer calf, 2d best, common stock, - - - 50
P. E. Harris, two year old heifer, 1st best, common stock, - - 50
Peleg Redfield, best milch cow, - - - - - 2 00

Peleg Redfield, best ram, (Saxony) - - - - - 200

155

P. Mitchell, 2d best ram, (Merino) - : -
Andrew Tinbrook, 1 boar, 1st choice, - -
Lewis Miller, 1 boar, 2d choice, - - = -
Solomon Allen, two pigs, Ist and 2d best, - -

PRODUCTS OF DAIRY.

Phebe Mitchell, 1st quality butter, - - -
D. Demaree, 2d quality butter, = - -
Samuel Kelly’s wife, lst quality cheese, - :

Phebe Mitchell, 2d quality cheese, - -

Sol. Allen, Ist quality honey, = - - - -
P. Redfield, 2d quality honey, -

MECHANICAL PRODUCTIONS.

James P. Ticknor, one two-horse covered car, - -

Same, one two-horse hack, fine specimen,
J.S. Layman, rocking and lounge chairs, - -
Same, sitting chairs, a good article,
Dayid A. Mann, best upper leather, - -

Same, best kipskins, - - z "

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Mrs. Dr. Stryker, Ist best quilt, - - -

Mrs. A. Justus, Ist and 2d best coverlet and jeans, -
Mrs. W. C. Danaldson, 2d best quilt, — - - =
Mrs. M. Reynolds, 1st best fulled cloth, - -
Mrs. A. Tinbrook, 2d best fulled cloth, - - -

Mrs. H. N. Adams, Ist best five yards jeans, Kentucky mixed,

Mrs. John S. McMurtry, 2d best five yards jeans, -

Mrs. A. Tinbrook, 2d best five yards jeans, -
Mrs. P. Mitchell, best five yards table linen, - -
Mrs. P. Mitchell, best mittens, - - -

Mrs. J. Humphreys, piece rag carpet, - - -

- Certificate.
Certificate.

; Certificate.
' Certificate.

(Premium,) 50

= = 23
= 25
- - 124
- Certificate.
Certificate.
- 25
ah owort 12d
- Certificate.
- Certificaie.
- 25
- Certificate.

Below we present the mode of culture and the manner of
making various articles presented. These reports have been
very limited, and we respectfully request, hereafter, full ex-
planations written out, of the manner of raising and pro-

ducing.

156

CORN—104 BUSHELS PER ACRE.

Harrison H. Anderson prepared one acre of upland by breaking up the
ground thoroughly in the spring. Sowed the corn broad cast on 25th of May,
and harrowed it in. When ahout eight inches high, harrowed once so as to
rake out and thin it. At gathering time it produced 104 bushels and 9 hbs.,
good solid corn. Cost of producing, $1 25 per acre. Corn worth in market
25 cents per bushel ; which leaves a profit of $19 55.

CORN—119 BUSHELS PER ACRE.

Mr. John E. Adams on Ist of May broke up a field of 10 acres, and on the
12th planted. corn by cross furrows three feet apart, (the usual way) plowed
three times with two furrows and once with three furrows, and then hoed it
clean. Season fair. On 16th October measured one rod square, an average
of the field, and found 14 bushel, 1 gal. 3 qts. and 1 pint, or at the rate of
119 bushels per acre ; at a cost per acre of $3, (supposed.) Worth 20 cents
per bushel in market ; leaves for profit $20 80.

Alfred Hadley raised, on upland, 106 bushels, 31g pecks per acre. No
statement of cost or manner of tillage given.

Perley Mitchell presented a fine specimen of seed corn, which he recom-
mends to farmers.

Other members of the society reported verbally that they had fine yields of
corn per acre, and would shortly furnish statements. None yet received.

POTATOES.

Perley Mitchell, 14 acre Irish potatoes. The ground was in corn last year,
clover sod without any manure ; plowed and planted in potatoes the last of
May. Rows 4 feet one way, and drilled in cross-wise 2 feet apart ; four kinds
were planted.

Ist. Six rows of long Pinkeyes, 26 bushels.

Qd. Five rows of long Reds, 29 bushels.

3d. Two rows of Orange, 9 bushels.

Ath. Two rows of Cow Horn, 5 bushels.

Total 14 of an acre, 69 bushels. At the rate of 276 bushels % acre, which
are worth 25 cents % bushel in market ; cost of seed and labor, supposed to
be $6. Profit, $63 49 acre.

BUTTER.

Mrs. Phebe Mitchell presented 10 ibs. butter made from four cows in four
days. The milk when taken from the cows, was placed over the fire and
brought to a scalding heat, then set away for 36 hours. The cream then taken
off and churned—the butter was then well worked, salted, and put away for
24 hours and worked again, then fit for use or market.

157

CHEESE.

Mrs. P. Mitchell presented a cheese, which was made from the milk of five
cows. She says:

“T scalded my milk this season and kept it for four milkings ; it was then
all warmed and the runnet added, and let it stand about an hour ; it was then
wheyed off as dry as possible, cut in small pieces. Scalding whey was then
poured over it until it appeared to shrink ; salt was then added, then put to
press, remained in press 24 hours, Laid on a dry shelf, and turned and
greased every day.”’

W. C. DANALDSON, President pro tem.
J. B, Cornexivs, Secretary.

PORTER COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE PORTER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,
To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture:

The President and Secretary of the Porter County Agri-
cultural Society, respectfully beg leave to offer and ask your
acceptence of the following report:

Our society was organized June 14, 1851. For sometime
after our organization there appeared but little enthusiasm
on the subject, yet we determined on holding a fair and
doing all in our power to excite an interest.

Our fair was held 29th of October, and although the day
was most unfavorable, it “ went off” in a manner much more
creditable to our county than was anticipated by its most
sanguine movers.

Our means being quite limited we thought proper to con-
fine our awards entirely to stock, fruits, vegetable and dairy
products. And it not only afforded us great satisfaction to

158

see a display so good; yet it gave considerable encourage-
ment to those who intend becoming competitors another
year.

As we offered no premiums on field crops we have no par-
ticular modes of tillage to describe.

Our society now numbers about seventy members with
prospects as flattering we trust as those of most societies in
our State—and with as great a field of usefulness open to us.

WM. A. BARNES, President.
Wm. C. Tancorr, Secretary.

THE FAIR AND THE PREMIUMS.

The committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the
Porter County Agricultural Society, to determine what pre-
miums, to the amount of $80 in all, shall be offered, and for
what descriptions and qualities of animals and products, have
agreed upon the following

LIST OF PREMIUMS

To be awarded at the Agricultural Fair at Valparaiso, on Wednesday the 29th of
October next.

HORSES.
Best stallion, - - - - - - - - $3 00
Second best stallion, - - : - - - - 2 00
Best stud colt, three years old, - - - - - - 200
Second best stud colt, three years old, - - - - 1 00
Best stud colt two yearsold, - - - - - - 200
Second best stud colt two years old, - - - - - 1 00
Best brood mare and colt, - - - - - - 3 00
Second best brood mare and colt, = - - - - 2 00
Best span matched work horses, - . - - - - 200
Second best span matched work horses, - - - - 1 00
Best colt three years old, - - 2 F: = . - 2-00
Second best colt three years old, = + - - - . 1 00

Best colt two years old, - - - - - - - 1 00

Second best colt two years old, - 2 - “ = 50
Best colt one year old, - . : - = - 100
Second best colt one year old, - - - = a 50
Best sucking colt, - : : : F “ - 100
Second best sucking colt, - - - = = 2 50
CATTLE.
Best bull over three years old, - - : : - $3 00
Second best bull over three years old, - - = 2 00
Best bull under two years old, - - - “ - 200
Second best bull under two years old, - - - 1 00
Best cow, - - - = - - - 200
Second best cow, - - - = = 100
Best yoke of oxen, - - - = c =. 100
Second best yoke of oxen, - - = = 50
Best steer three years old, - - - - - 100
Second best steer three years old, - _ - e - 50
Best steer two years old, - - - : 341.00
Second best steer two years old, - ~ - - 50
Best steer one year old, - = - = aes
Second best steer one year old, - - - - 50
Best heifer three years old, : - - - - 100
Second best heifer three years old, - - - - 50
Best heifer two years old, - - - - - 100
Second best heifer two years old, - - - - 50
Best heifer one year old, - - - - - 100
Second best heifer one year old, = - x - 5 50
Best calf, - - = E 2 “ 5) OO
Second best calf, 2 2 a r \ 50
SHEEP.
Best fine wool buck, - - - - - - $2 00
Second best fine wool buck, - - = - 1 00
Best coarse wool buck, - - - - - 1 00
Second best coarse wool buck, - - - - 50
Best lot of ewes not less than three, - - - - 200
Second best lot of ewes not less than three, - - - 1 00
SWINE.
Best bour, - : . S x = - $3 00
Second best boar, F = = - - 2 00
Best sow, - - = = = - - 200

Second best sow, : - - - - 1 00

160

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
To be distributed at the discretion of the awarding committee, - . - 5 00

DAIRY PRODUCTS.

To be distributed at the discretion of the awarding committee, - $5 00

FARMING IMPLEMENTS.

To be distributed at the discretion of the awarding committee, - 5 00

W. A. BARNES,
W. C. TALCOTT,> Commissioners.
A. FREEMAN,

THE FAIR—OUR PROSPECTS—THE PREMIUMS.

Our agricultural fair on Wednesday last went off in better
style than was anticipated by its most sanguine movers,
although the rain fell continuously, from morning till night,
there were as many persons present as we expected to see,
had the day been most favorable, and the spirit, which char-
acterised the proceedings, “speaks volumes” for the future.
We may now consider our society on a firm foundation, with
every prospect of being as good as any if not the Banner
society of the State, therefore, let every resident, and par-
ticularly every farmer, become a member at once, and next
year we will have a fair which will make us feel proud that
we are citizens of Porter county. If we go to work with
energy, we may have from two to four hundred dollars
next fall to be awarded in premiums. Let us all be
“live”? members and contribute our mite to the encour-
agement of those who solicit from our common mother
the nourishment which sustains us all, and may the 29th of
October be an era in the agricultural history of our county,
long cherished and remembered, as the dawning of brighter
and better days. We should be glad to speak of some of the

161

stock and products exhibited in a more particular manner,
but time and space forbid it.

Below we subjoin a list of premiums awarded which will
be paid at the store of Saylor & Mason.

HORSES.
Best stallion, Ruel Starr, - - - - - - $3 00
2d best, H.S. Adams, - - - - - - - 200
Best stud colt three years old, H. G. Holister, - : : 2 00
Best brood mare and colt, Isaac Miller, - - = - =, $100
Best span of matched work horses, Samuel Burns, - - - 2 00
2d best, Hale Bates, - - - - - . - 100
Best colt three years old, (Morgan stock,) T. A. E. Campbell, - 1 00
2d best, T. A. E. Campbell, = - - = 3 2 Asst OO
Best colt two years old, Isaac Miller, - - - = - 100
Best colt one year old, H. E. Woodruff, - - = - 100
2d best, H. E. Woodruff, - - - - s - 50
Best sucking colt, Isaac Miller, - - - 5 - 100
CATTLE.
Best bull over three years old, T’. Beach, - - = 3 00
2d best, J. J. Caswell, - - - - - 2 00
Best bull under three years old, S. Campbell, - - 2 00
Best cow, Wm. A. Handell, - - - - - 2 00
2d best, G.Z. Salyer, | - = - - - 1 00
Best heifer two years old, D. Hughart, - - - - 1 60
Best calf, T. A. E. Campbell, - - - - 1 00
SHEEP.
Best fine wooled buck, Ruel Starr, - - - - 2 00
2d best, Ruel Starr, - - - = = 1 00
Best lot of ewes not less than three, Ruel Starr, - > - 2 00
SWINE.
Best boar, Austin B. White, - - - - 3 00
Best sow, Austin B. White, - - - - - 2 00

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Apples and quinces, II. E. Woodruff, - - - 1 50
Apples and sweet potatoes, W. Barnard, - - - 1 95
Apples, Ruel Starr, - - “ bs d 1 25
Apples, D. Hughart, - - ~ = s 1 00

162

DAIRY PRODUCTS.

Butter and cheese, T. Beach, - 3 é " 2 50
Butter, H. E. Woodruff, - - 5 > n 2 50
Total, - - - - - - $51 50

W. A. BARNES, President.

COMMUNICATION FROM MR. H. E. WOODRUFF.

Dzar Sirn:—I here enclose the circular from the Indiana State Board of
Agriculture, and in accordance with my promise, have the honor herewith to
transmit a partial answer to some of the questions therein contained ; feeling
confident that you can answer more fully, I shall confine myself to a few, and
leave them for you to correct.

WHEAT.

The best kind of wheat with us is the Mediterranean, and the best method
of preparing the ground is to plow once, and that in the early part of August.
Best time of seeding from Ist to 15th September ; quantity of seed 114 @11g
bushels # acre. Average yield per acre, 15 to 20 bushels. Time of harvest-
ing, from 5th to 15th of July. Usual place of market, Michigan City; ats
ing price during fall, 60 cents.

CORN.

My method of cultivating corn is so different from the usual mode that I
will not attempt an answer.

OATS, RYE, AND BARLEY.

_Oats—the quantity of seed used per acre is two bushels ; rye, 34 of a bushel.
The average yield of oats is 30 bushels per acre; rye 15 bushels per acre.
Barley, none raised.

GRASS.

Clover and timothy seeds mixed, make the best meadows, say two parts
clover and one timothy. After mixing, put four quarts per acre ; sow early
in spring with oats, on wheat or rye crops.. If sown on wheat or rye it should
be harrowed in, and will be an advantage rather than disadvantage to the

163

crop. Such meadows will yield per annum 214 tons per acre generally, at
two cuttings ; the first crop (in this county) should be cut the last part of
June, and the second the last part of August. The cost of cutting and put-
ting up an acre each crop, one dollar. Places of market, Valparaiso and in
the country ; prices #P ton, $5 to $6. It is believed that the best method to
fertilize meadows (except the common way of manuring) is to plough deep,
and at the same time turn under the last crop of clover and timothy ; about
the last of August sow wheat or rye, and re-seed in the following spring ;
and by pursuing this course lands may be fertilized to any extent.

DAIRY.

The average yearly produce of butter per cow is 90 to 100 Ibs. ; the com-
parative cost #9 tb. of making butter and cheese, cannot answer. Milk is
strained in pans, put in a room, the temperature of which should be some 50
to 55 degrees ; after standing 48 hours it is skimmed, the cream is placed in
Jars or crocks, and left to stand 24 hours more to have it partially foment and
mix. The most commen mode of churning is the common dash hand churn.
It is believed to be better than revolving churns for the reason that the butter
gathers better. The best method known to us for putting down butter for
market is to make it in rolls of three or four pounds, wrap each roll in thin
light cloths, place the rells snug in a barrel and cover with strong brine. The
average price of butter the present season has been 1214 cents ® bb.

CATTLE, SHEEP, HOGS, HEMP and rotatogs, I will not attempt to answer.

FRUIT, AND FRUIT CULTURE.

The different varieties of fruits consist of apples pears, peaches, plums,
grapes, apricets, quinces, cherries, currants, gooseberries and strawberries.
The best method of cultivation for apples and pears known to us, (after set
in orchard) is to mulch in the spring and remove it in the fall. The object of
removing the mulch in the fall is to prevent the mice and other vermin from
gnawing the bark, thereby killing young trees. There is so many methods
practised with us in the cultivation of fruit trees, that I will not attempt a
further answer. As to quantity, cannot answer, The best varieties of apples
to keep for winter use are the following : Powell Spitzenburg, Newtown
Pippin, Vandever Pippin, Roman Stem, Yellow Bellflower, Rhode Island
Greening, Black Gille Fleur, Wine Sap, Cannon Pearmain, Penoch, Northern
Spy, Baldwin, Golden Russett, Blue Pearmain, Swaar, Ladies’ Sweeting,
Roxbury Russett, Bellmont, and the Rambo is an excellent winter apple, but
not a good keeper. The usual price for good winter apples in winter, is one
dollar per bushel. Our orchards are young, and as yet produce but little
fruit.

The above is in such a bungling manner that I presume it will be of little
or no use to you ; but if you can glean anything to enable you to make re-
port, I shall be well paid. JI hope your health and business will not prevent.

164

I think it desirable that answers should be gieyn to the circular, to the extent
practicable. If your ill health or other circumstances prevent, I will suggest
that you hand it over to Dr. Barnes.
Obediently yours,
H. E. WOODRUFF.
Wm. C. Taxcorr, Esq., Secretary of the Porter Co. Agricultural Society.

In conformity with the requirement of the State Board of’
Agriculture of Indiana, the President and Secretary of the
Porter County Agricultural Society, submit the following
statement of the principal kinds of agricultural productions
of the county, aggregate amount, average yield per acre,
current price, and towns where sold, &c.

The principal productions are wheat, corn, oats, peas,
beans, lrish and sweet potatoes, buckwheat, wool, fruit, gar-
den produce, butter, cheese, hay, clover and grass seed.

The average amount of each—the late organization of our
society, and its limited operations, afford us no means of
estimating, except by reference to the census table of last
year; wheat, 70,846 bushels; corn, 199,270; oats, 52,523;
peas and beans, 599; Irish potatoes, 20,653; sweet potatoes,
160 ; buckwheat, 6,260; wool, 21,121 pounds; fruit, $3,422
worth; garden produce, $200 worth; butter, 62,901 pounds;
cheese, 15,640; hay, 5,099 tons; clover and grass seed, 243
bushels.

The average yield is, wheat, about fifteen bushels to the
acre; corn, thirty-five; oats, thirty; hay, one and a-half
tons.

The current price is, wheat, fifty cents; corn, twenty-five;
oats, twenty; beans, seventy-five; Irish potatoes, thirty-seven
and a-half; sweet potatoes, one dollar; apples, seventy-five
cents; butter, fifteen; cheese, seven; hay, five dollars per
ton.

165

The principal market places are, Valparaiso, Michigan
City and Hobart.
WM. A. BARNES, President.
Wm. C. Taucorr, Secretary.

ABSTRACT OF TREASURER’S REPORT.

To the officers and members of the
Porter County Agricultural.Society :

In compliance with the constitution of said society, mak-
ing it the duty of the Treasurer to exhibit to the Board of
Directors, the state of finances of said society, the following
statement is respectfully submitted :

I have opened an account with the following persons who
have become members of our society, and who have paid or.
caused to be paid into the treasury one dollar each as mem-
bers of said society—

(Here follow the names, 61 in number)-+++++++- $61 00
Paid Wm. C. Talcott for printing constitu-
tions for said society as ordered by said

Board of Directors: ++ +++esseeeeeeeees $5 00
On account of Secretary and Treasurer’s
blank books++++cecsesseeereceevees . 1 87
There were awarded at county fair, premi-
Hyns fOr tive” amen OT oe Fy wearer es ge ahs 51 50
58 37

When all orders are presented and paid there will
be a balance in the treasury Of-++++++eeeeeee $2 63
All of which is respectfully submitted:
AZARIAH FREEMAN, Treasurer.

166

PUTNAM COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE PUTNAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

First. This society was organized in accordance with
law, May 9, 1851, and at this time numbers one hundred
and five members.

Second. On the 8th, 9th and 10th days of October, 1851,
the first annual fair was held at Greencastle, at which there
was quite a large amount of stock shown, as well as many of
the agricultural and mechanical productions of the county ;
and much interest was manifested by the members of the
society, and the community at large, for its welfare and gen-
eral prosperity. A printed list of the names of the successful
competitors for premiums, together with the names of the
articles on which premiums were awarded, is herewith sub-
mitted. I am reluctantly compelled however, to state, that
owing to the neglect or oversight of the awarding commit-
tees, competitors did not in any instance, hand in a statement
of the names or breed of their stock, and the manner or
mode of tillage of their land. In consequence of this neg-
lect, although much good was accomplished by our late fair,
in creating a spirit of emulation in the improvement of stock,
é&c., yet it was not made of that practical utility of which it
was susceptible, had this matter been properly attended to.
I hope this neglect will not occur again.

Third. No money has been received from the county
treasury to aid the society in funds, its only source for reve-
nue having been by a direct tax upon the members. The
Treasurer’s report, which is hereto attached, exhibits the
financial condition of the society.

Fourth. In giving a statement of the principal kinds of

167

agricultural productions of the county, &c., I feel some deli-
cacy, as | have no positive data upon which to make a state-
ment on this head; yet it is believed that the following
(compiled from the most authentic source within my reach,)
will prove nearly, if not quite, correct in every particular:

1. Srocx.— Number of horses in the county, 6,760; mules,
1,404; cattle, 14,086; stock hogs, 37,788; hogs sold to mer-
chants, (mostly at Terre Haute,) 39,180; average weight of
merchantable hogs, 260 pounds; sheep on hand, 41,054;
sheep disposed of to persons living out of the county the past
season, 8,242.

2. Grain.—Number of acres of corn in the county, 39,702;
average amount of corn per acre, forty-five bushels; acres of
wheat, 25,132; average amount of wheat per acre, fifteen
bushels; acres of oats, 4,290; average amount of oats per
acre, thirty bushels; hay, number of tons, 7,956. Grain
from this county is mostly sold at Indianapolis, Lafayette and
Terre Haute. The Greencastle merchants, however, in view
of the early completion of the Indianapolis and Terre Haute
Railroad, have commenced taking in wheat.

3. Frurr.—While other portions of the State failed to
produce apples in any considerable quantity, the past season,
this county was almost as prolific in the production of this
valuable fruit as usual. This county is admirably adapted to
the production of fruits of all kinds, with the exception per-
haps of the pear, which, from some unknown cause, is gen-
erally unproductive in our soil. The county produced a few
peaches the past season. Great efforts are being made for
the improvement of the quality of our fruit.

4, Lanp.—The number of acres of land in cultivation in
this county is, 75,296; number of acres in pasture, 109,226.

d. AcRicuLTuRAL ImpLEMENTs.—Several valuable agricul-
tural implements were presented for the inspection of the
public at our late fair, among them a cultivator, owned by
Stephen M. John, Esq., used in the cultivation of corn, and

168

a plow manufactured by , of Greencastle, on
an entirely new and improved principle.
Fifth. The officers of the society are as follows:
Wis.iam D. Auten, President.
R. N. Atuen, Vice President.
C. W. Brown, Secretary.
A. C. Srrvenson, Corresponding Secretary.
Josepu F. Faruery, Treasurer.
T. R. Frakes, )
James ALLEN,
ANDREW JOHNSTON,
Exisaun McCarry,
Wm. G. Duckwortn,
Ricwuarp Hazererr,
T. Darna.t,
Arcu. JOHNSTON,
Tuomas TaLpsort,
Grorce Rosinson,
All of which is respectfully submitted:
C. W. BROWN, Secretary.

Executive Committee.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

The undersigned, Treasurer of the Putnam County Agri-
cultural Society, respectfully submits the following report of
the receipts and expenditures of said society, viz:

Amount received in treasury up to January 1,

1659 UP Wato9 BOS ee HO ih awit $126 00
Amount paid in premiums: ++++-++++eeee eee 105 30
Balance in the treasury+++++eeee sees ee eees $20 70

J. F. FARLEY, Treasurer.

169

RUSH COUNTY.

—

REPORT OF THE RUSH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

Yet in its infancy, as our society is, we are not able of
course, to make a report that will furnish much information
as to the agricultural resources of Rush county, or their de-
velopment.

Considering that we had not been able to do anything
practical, except to organize the society, I have confined the
matter of my report to the manner of that organization.

The Rush County Agricultural Society was organized on
the 8th day of November, 1851, by the election of

Jessz Morean, President;

Jreruro 8S. Foueer, Vice President;
Gro. W. Hareairr, Secretary ;
Josepnu Nicnoxas, Treasurer.

Our society having adjourned without electing directors
on the 8th, met again on Saturday, the 22d of November,
and elected the following persons as directors to serve for one
year:

Director for Centre township—S. 8. McBride.

Director for Rushville township—Jas. McConnell.

Director for Walker township—Geo. Thomas.

Director for Union township—Garrett Wycoff.

Director for Posey township—Robert Ford.

Director for Noble township—Peter Scooney.

Director for Richland township—Jas. R. Patten.

Director for Anderson township—Jas. Buchanan.

Director for Orange township—Jno. Webb.

Director for Washington township—Wm. S. Hall.

Director for Jackson township—S. 8. Offutt.

Director for Ripley township—Jno. Clarke.

170

Our society now numbers one hundred and fifty members,
and new ones are coming in daily. At no former period in
the history of Rush county, have our farmers been so deeply
aroused to the importance of sustaing in their midst, a society
of this character. They are disposed to lend it their coun-
tenance and aid; and, ina county like this, possessed of a
deep, rich soil, and filled with intelligent and able farmers,
their efforts cannot fail to be of great service in advancing
the agricultural interests of the S tate.

I would state to the Board, in compliance with what I
regard as the wish of this society, that some change should
be made in the present law, that would enable us to encour-
age horticultural pursuits, without the organization of a sep-
rate society.

This is prevented at present, by a regulation of your Board,
which prohibits premiums from being allowed upon root
crops for less than one-fourth of an acre. It being very dif-
ficult, in most counties, to sustain properly two societies
having in view so nearly the same object, the abolition of
the rule spoken of, or the portion of the law requiring it, is in
my opinion imperatively demanded.

Not being prepared to furnish any reliable statistics of in-
terest to the Board, I respectfully submit the above report,
meagre as it is.

By order of the society:
GEO. W. HARGITT,
Secretary of the Rush Co. Ag. Society.

171

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

REPORT OP THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

John B. Dillon, Esq.:

Dear Sir:—To-day (Dec. 8th,) I received the circular
sent out by the State Board of Agriculture, and as the time
has already passed, when the reports were desired from
county societies, I hasten to forward such information as is
in my possession at this time.

The St. Joseph County Agricultural Society was organized
on the 19th day of April, 1851, and its officers are,

Hon. Powers Green, President.

Hon. Jonn J. Demine, Vice President.
Wiuu0M Miter, Esq., Treasurer.
Joun M. Veasey, Secretary.

Directors.

Olive township—S. A. Whitlock.
Warren township—Reynolds Dunn.
German township—Samuel Witter.
Green township—M. B. Hammond.
Portage township—Elmer Rose.
Penn township—G. C. Merrifield.
Centre township—Alexis Foot.
Clay township—Thos. P. Bulla.
Union township—Edwin Pickett.

At a meeting of the society, held the 6th day of Septem-
ber, it was decided that their first annual fair should be held
in South Bend, on Saturday, the 16th of October, and that
the following list of premiums be given:

Best cultivated farm, -
Second best cultivated farm,

Best stallion for draft,
Second best stallion for draft,
Best stallion for carriage,
Second best stallion for carriage,
Best brood mare for draft,
Second best brood mare for draft,
Best brood mare for carriage,

HORSES.

Second best brood mare for carriage,

Best pair matched horses,
Second best pair matched horses,
Best single horse in harness,
Best colt three years old, -

Second best colt three years old,
Best colt two years old,

Second best colt two years old, -

Best colt one year old,

Best spring colt,

Best bull, -
Second best bull,

Best two year old bull,

Second best two year old bull, -

Best yearling, -
Best calf, -
Best cow for dairy,

Best cow for fattening,
Best two year old heifer, -
Best yearling heifer, -

Best heifer calf, -

Best yoke working oxen,

Second best yoke working oxen,

Two best steers,
Best fat ox or steer,

Second best fat ox or steer,

Best fatcow, -

CATTLE.

- - $5 00
- 3 00

- - 3 00
. 1 00

- - 3 00
- 1 00

- - 200
Indiana Farmer,
- - 200
Michigan Farmer.
- - 200
- 1 00

- - 100
- 2 00
Michigan Farmer.
- 1 00
Ills. Prairie Farmer.
- 1 00

- - 100
- 3 00

- - 100
- 2 00

- Prairie Farmer.
- 1 00

- - 100
- 1 00

- - 100
Prairie Farmer.

- - 200
x 1 00

- - 1 50
- 1 00

Michigan Farmer.
Michigan Farmer,

SHEEP.
Best fine wooled buck, - - 3
Best fine wooled ewe, - = .
Best pen of sheep, (not less than ten) - 4
SWINE.
Best boar, - - = 2 =
Second best boar, + = cs
Best sow, - - - ‘- F
Second best sow, - - =
Best three pigs, - - = “
FOWLS
Best pair fowls, - - 5 2
Second best pair fowls, - - :
Best pair turkeys, - - - :
Best pair geese, - - = Z
CROPS
Best acre of wheat, - - = 2
Best acre of corn, : = =
Best acre of oats, - = - -
Best 14 acre of potatoes, - - -
Best 14 acre of buckwheat, = - - -
Best 14 acre of flax, - - 2

Best acre of grass, - - a :
Best braid of seed corn, (not less than 40 ears)

FARMING UTENSILS.

Best plow for general purposes, = =
Best cultivator, - - - -
Best harrow, - - - -
Best farm wagon, - - az
Best threshing machine, - = ;
Best straw cutter, . - -
Best bee hive, - = = E
Best churn, = zs 2 -

Best wagon harness, - - =
Best carriage harness, double, - =
Best carriage harness, Single, - - =

Best buggy, = - = 2 :
Best cheese press, - - 2 -
Best fanning mill, - = :

- 200
- 1 00
- - 100

- - 200

- 1 00
- - 100
Michigan Farmer.
Genessee Farmer.

- - 100
Michigan Farmer.
- - 100

Michigan Farmer.

: - 200
- 3 00
- - 100
- 1 00
- Prairie Farmer.
- 1 00
- - 100

Prairie Farmer.

- - 100
E 1 00

- - 100
- 1 00

- - 200
= 1 00
Michigan Farmer.
Prairie Farmer.

3 210150
= 1 00

= 1700

- 1 00

- Indiana Farmer.
Ls 1.00

174

MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.

Best and most flour from five bushels of wheat, - - - 100
Best set of horse shoes, - - - - Genessee Farmer.
Best chopping axe, - . - - - Prairie Farmer.
Best cooking stove manufactured in this county, - Genessee Farmer.
Best set of stove furniture, - - - - - 1 00
Best bureau, = - - - - . - 1 00
Best book casey - . . - - - 100
Best breakfast or dining table, . . : Prairie Farmer.
Best fur hat, - . - - Genessee Farmer.
Best straw hat, - - - - - - 50
Best pair coarse boots, . - - - - 100
Best pair fine boots, - - - : - 1 00
Best womens’ coarse shoes, < . . Indiana Farmer.
Best womens’ fine shoes, - - . e Genessee Farmer.
Best assortment of leather, six pieces, - - - - 100
Best pork barrel, ~ - . - Michigan Farmer.
Best assortment of earthenware, - - - Indiana Farmer.
Best specimen of ornamental painting, - - - 1 00
Best assortment of edge tools, - - - - - 100
Best made set of chairs, - - - = - 1 00
Best made recking chair, . - - - - 100
Best corn basket, : = . . . 50

FANCY AND DOMESTIC ARTICLES.

Best wool carpet, = - . - ” - - 100
Best rag carpet, - - - - _ - 1 00
Best piece linen bagging, . - = = «1 2000
Best piece fulled cloth, five yards, - - - - 1 00
Best piece flannel, five yards, + - - - - 100
Best pair of woolen socks, - - = : 50
Best pair of woolen mittens, - - . - - 50
Best bed quilt, - - - = = = 1 00
Best counterpane, - - 4 * < ~ 100
Best specimen linen sewing thread, - - - - 50
Best specimen ornamental needle work, - - - - 100
Best made coat, - - = 3 . 3 1 50
Best made vest, = ~ = = . n 50
Best made pants, . = = = a 20
VEGETABLES
Twelve best turnips, - : - > Genessee Farmer.

Six best heads cabbage, + : - - Prairie Farmer.

Six best blood beets, - . - ° Michigan Farmer.
Twelve best onions, - - - - Indiana Farmer.
Fifteen best carrots, - - > - - - 50
Largest squash, - - - - - - 50
Largest pumpkin, - - - - - Prairie Farmer.
Largest and best variety of Irish potatoes, - - Indiana Farmer.
Best bushel sweet potatoes, - - - Michigan Farmer.
FRUITS.
Best six kinds winter fruits, - - . Indiana Farmer.
Best general selection of apples, 44 bushel, - : - 100
Best peck of pears, - | ez - - Indiana Farmer.
Best 12 quinces, - - - - - Prairie Farmer.

PRODUCTS OF DAIRY, &c.
[Of which the Board of Trustees are judges. ]

Best 3 tbs. of butter, - - - - - - 100
Best 10 ibs. of cheese, - - - - - 1 00
Best five tbs. of honey, - - - - Indiana Farmer.
Best five ibs. maple sugar, - - - Genessee Farmer.
Best two loaves of bread, - - « - - 50
Best loaf of sponge cake, - - - - - 50
Best fruit cake, - . 5 = ‘ 2 50
Best plain cake, - = - - - - 50
Best clusters grapes, - - - . - Mich. Farmer.
Best boquet of flowers, - : - - - 50
Best variety of flowers, in pots, - - - - 50

It is earnestly recommended by the society that a description of the num-
ber and quality of all articles intended for exhibition shall be reported to the
secretary at least one week prior to the day of exhibition.

The following resolutions were adopted :

That all reports of viewing committees shall be made in writing and deposi-
ted with the secretary.

That John H. Harper be appointed Marshal.

No premiums will be given on articles manufactured out of the county, or
on stock unless owned by citizens of the county.

POWERS GREEN, President.
Joun M. Vzasey, Secretary.

176

As to the questions proposed for answers, I can only say
that so far as my knowledge of the opinions of the members
of the society are concerned, that,

1. Wueat.—The best kind is conceded to be the Blue
Stem. Our method of preparing the soil, is by simple
plowing; sub-soiling has not yet been tested. To roll the
seed in slacked lime is considered advantageous. Time of
seeding, about the first of September. Quantity of seed per
acre, from one and a-fourth to one and a-half bushels per
acre. Average yield, 1 am unable to state. Time of har-
vesting, from first to tenth of July. A small portion is put in
barns—a portion stacked in the field, and a very large portion
thrashed in the field by “ Briggs’ Traveling Machine.” The
usual place of market is at South Bend. Remedies for Hes-
sian fly and wevil, is to sow at the right time in the season,
having reference to the weather that precedes and follows
seeding, when we have foresight enough to discover what
the weather is going to be.

Place of market for corn is South Bend, and the prevailing
price this season, twenty cents.

2. Surep.—Large sheep that shear heavy fleeces, and me-
dium quality for fineness, are the most profitable. Wool
growing is profitable beyond doubt.

3. Hoas.—The best breeds are a cross of the Leicestershire
and some of the smaller boned varieties. Price of pork the
present season, $3 50 to $4.

4, Frurr.—The best varieties for winter use, are the Van-
dever pippin, Rhode Island Greening, Esopus Spitzenburg,
Swaar, Tallman’s Sweeting, Twenty-ounce, Baldwin, North-
ern Spy, Newtown Pippin, Seek-no-further. Price this sea-
son, eighty-seven and a-half cents.

The Secretary of this society deeply regrets that he has
not been able to prepare a statistical table of the products of
the county for the past year, and also, to give to the State
Board such other information as is required by the resolution
concerning reports from county or district societies.

177

But the Board will recollect that this society is in its in-
fancy, and held its first fair this fall, and that it cannot be
expected to have all the facts which are desirable within its
reach; but the encouragement given at the fair in October,
gives the society great reason to hope that it will be liberally
supported by the community. You will observe that our list
o: members is large. Our exhibition was highly creditable;
that of fruit, we were assured equalled, if it did not surpass,
the exhibition at the State Fair in New Lork the past sea-
son, (we do not mean as to extent of varieties,) but for beau-
tiful specimens; in this respect, Indiana may safely challenge
competition with any of the old fruit growing States. The
prospect of the society for future usefulness, is of the most
flattering character, and another year we feel safe in saying,
that our statistics will be ready in season for the State Board,
and that we shall be able to report progress in the general
business of the society.

POWERS GREEN, President.

Joun M. Veasey, Secretary.

SHELBY COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE SHELBY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture:

The Shelby County Agricultural Society was organized at
the court house, in Shelbyville, on the first day of November,
12

178,

1851, by the adoption of the accompanying constitution, and
the election of the following officers, viz:

Davin Wurrcoms, President ;

Natuan Lewis, Vice President;

D. Tuacuer, Secretary ;

Jacos Vernon, Treasurer;

E. G. Mayuew, Librarian.

The following persons were elected Directors for the ensu-

ing year, viz:
James Elliott, of Addison township.
E. 8. Dunlap, of Washington township.
Samuel Hahn, of Liberty township.
Edward Gird, of Brandywine township.
Stephen Collins, of Sugar Creek township.
Wm. C. Picket, of Moral township.
Jno. Neibel, sen., of Jackson township.
Wm. Cotton of Union township.
Henry J. Gaines, of Marion township.
Randolph Rutherford, of Hanover township.
Jno. M. Dodd, of Hendricks township.
Nicholas Kern, of Van Buren township.
Wm. Moore, of Noble township.

The society consists of sixty-seven members, and has
adopted the accompanying code of by-laws, for its govern-
ment.

At the last meeting of the society, December 27, 1851,
eighteen dollars and sixteen cents was appropriated for sub-
scription to the following periodicals for the ensuing year,
viz: “The Indiana Farmer,” “The Cultivator,’ “The Plow’’
and “The Horticulturist’? of New York, “The Prairie Far-
mer” of Illinois, “The Dollar Farmer” of Ky., “The Plow,
the Loom, and the Anvil” and “The Pennsylvania Farm
Journal” of Pa., “The Ohio Agriculturist” “The Western
Horticultural Review” of Ohio, “The Journal of Agricul-
ture’? of Massachusetts, and “The American Farmer” of
Maryland. |

179

The further sum of thirty-three and a-half dollars was
also appropriated for the purchase of the following works on
agriculture and kindred subjects, viz: The Farmer’s Com-
panion; The Farmer’s Instructor; The Practical Farmer;
Treatise on Agriculture; Farmer’s Dictionary; Morrell’s
American Shepherd; Allen’s Farm Book; Johnston’s Agri-
cultural Chemistry; Norton’s Agricultural Chemistry; The
Principles of Science applied to the Domestic and Mechanic
Arts, Manufactures and Agriculture; American Husbandry;
Encyclopedia of Domestic Economy; Youatt on Cattle;
Youatt on the Horse; Downing’s Country Houses; Thomas’
Fruit Culturist; Turner’s Encyclopedia of Agriculture; Cole-
man’s European Agriculture; Stephens’ Farmer’s Guide;
and Bennett’s Poulterer’s Companion.

A member of the Society donated to the Library, “ Down-
ing’s Fruit Book,” and another member proposed to donate
the first nine volumes of “The Cultivator,” well bound,
and “Kenrick’s New American Orchardist,” provided the
members of the society present, would contribute the sum of
ten dollars for the purchase of the remaining nine volumes
bound, of “The Cultivator,” so as to secure the whole of
that valuable periodical from its commencement to the begin-
ning of the current year. The ten dollars was promptly
raised, and the society will consequently have a Library of
about twenty-five different works, besides the eighteen bound

volumes of “The Cultivator,” which is perhaps the best agri-
cultural journal ever published, and one dozen monthly and

semi-monthly agricultural journals to commence with. It is
confidently believed that a wiser expenditure of a like sum
of money could not be made, and a rich yield may be ex-
pected in coming years, from the perusal of these choice
works on this important subject.

The proprietor of the “ Volunteer,” newspaper published
in) this place, offered to the society two columns per week of
his paper, to be filled with agricultural matter by a committee
of the society. A committee has beer appointed to attend

180

to it, and good results may be looked for, if a wise use is
made of the offer.

The late period of the year at which this society was or-
ganized, precludes our offering to the State Board of Agri-
culture, any exact statistical report for the county. Taking
the census returns of 1850, which give the statistics for 1849,
and making a reasonable estimate of the increase on the yield
of that year, and we have the following approximate statis-
tics for 1851, as the product of Shelby county, viz: four
hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat, worth at fifty
cents per bushels, two hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars. Of Indian corn, one and a-half million of bushels,
worth at twenty cents per bushel, three hundred thousand
dollars. Of oats, seventy thousand bushels, worth at fifteen
cents per bushel, ten thousand and five hundred dollars. Of
Irish potatoes, eighty thousand bushels, worth at twenty-five
cents per bushel, twenty thousand dollars. Of wool, fifty
thousand pounds, worth at thirty cents per pound, fifteen
thousand dollars. Twenty thousand pounds of tobacco, Of
fatted pork, forty thousand head, averaging two hundred
pounds weight, worth at four dollars and twenty-five cents
per one hundred pounds, three hundred thousand dollars.
There are also small crops of numerous productions not esti-
mated, but worth in the aggregate no inconsiderable sum.
These estimates are believed by those most competent to
judge, to be under, rather than over the truth.

Nearly three-fifths of the land in Shelby county is yet un-
improved, although much of it is the best land in the county,
the value of which has been hitherto underrated, on account
of its being more or less wet, in its natural state. It is how-
ever, susceptible of easy and perfect drainage, either by
clearing or by ditching; though little effort has yet been made
towards showing the utility of ditching.

Until recently, Shelby county was without easy access to
any market, and the cost of conveying heavy crops to Madi-
son, seventy-five miles, or to Cincinnati, eighy-five miles, in

181

wagons, over the natural roads of the country, was so heavy
a tax, as to almost amount to a prohibition of their produc-
tion, beyond the necessity for home consumption. The ex-
isting railroad to Madison, and the Jeffersonville and Columbus
road, which will be finished during the present year, and the
Lawrenceburg road, which will probably be completed in
season for the crop of 1853, afford ready and cheap access to
either the northern or southern market for our productions,
and thereby remove one of the principal hindrances to the
development of the agricultural capacity of the county.
The greatest remaining hindrance to the attainment of this
desirable object, is the want of intelligence and system in the
conduct of farming operations, and this is mainly the result
of a degraded view of their occupation by the farmers gen-
erally. This impediment, it is to be hoped, the agricultural
society, aided by the State Board of Agriculture, will speedily
remove, and then, and we trust at no distant day, Shelby
county will take her stand by the side of any agricultural
county of equal size in the State.

In the absence of accurate statistics, and without sufficient
time to collect them, we dare not now attempt more specific
answers to the questions contained in the circular of the
State Board; but hope to be able to meet them fairly by
another season. We would suggest to the State Board,
whether the assessors of the several counties might not, by
suitable amendments to the present laws, annually collect
agricultural and manufacturing statistics of great value to
the whole State. Or, if the time of assessing is not suitable,
might not a set of county or township officers be created by
law, for the express purpose of collecting such statistics at
the proper season, say in September or October of each year.
The advantage which would accrue from this course, would
be so great in pointing out at an early day after the growing
crops are perfected, positively and accurately, the sections of
the State in which any article or class of production is ex-
cessive or deficient, thereby indicating the points of demand

182

and supply; that other States would soon follow in doing
the same thing, and as a consequence, market prices would
be steadier, and trading on speculation would be safer, be-
cause governed by fixed data, and not by loose estimates
often made by parties interested in exaggerating or depres
ciating facts, as at present.

Shelby county is well stocked with the common fruits of
very good quality, and there is usually a large surplus, but
the crop of 185] entirely failed here, as elsewhere.

Proper attention to sheep husbandry, to wool culture and
feeding; and to the raising of the castor oil bean, forall of
which, it is admirably adapted, would add many thousands
to the value of the agricultural productions of Shelby
county.

But a new era it is to be hoped is now dawning on our
county and State—an era of agricultural and manufacturing
improvement, for these interests must go hand in hand—an
era in which we trust that the universal, and controlling, and
turbulent interests in party politics, will be superseded by the
general prevalence in the public mind of the more peaceful,
productive, and happyfying influence of agricultural and
manufacturing interests.

All of which is respectfully submitted:
DAVID WHITCOMB, President.
D. Tuacner, Secretary.

CONSTITUTION OF THE SHELBY CO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Wuenreas, Agriculture, in a comprehensive sense of the term, if conducted in
the most improved and scientific manner, is not only the most necessary,
useful and profitable occupation of man, but pre-eminently honorable; being
that which gives life, vigor, and prosperity to every department of busi-
ness. And

Wuenreag, the real and substantial wealth and glory of a people are increased
in proportion as its agricultural and manufacturing interests are developed

183

and made prosperous: Therefore, in order to encourage improyements in
agriculture and the manufacturing arts, and raise them to their proper point
of prosperity in Shelby county, we do hereby form ourselves into an asso-
ciation to be known as the “‘ Shelby County Agricultural Society; and for
the purpose of carrying out the above views, do ordain and adopt the fol-
lowing constitution for its government :

Sxcrion 1. This association shall be known by the name and style of ‘‘ The
Shelby County Agricultural Society.” And its object shall be to promote
agriculture, horticulture, stock raising, manufacturing, household and me-
chanic arts in the county of Shelby.

Src. 2. The officers of this society shall consist of a President, Vice Presi-
dent, Treasurer, Secretary, Librarian, and one director from each civil town-
ship in the county, who, together, shall constitute a Board of Directors for
the general management of the affairs of the society ; all of whom shall be
elected by the members of the society, at the annual meetings thereof, which
shall be held on the first Saturday of September in each year, and shall hold
their respective offices until their successors are duly appointed. Provided,
That the first election of officers shall take place shortly after the adoption of
this constitution; and the officers then chosen shall hold their respective pla-
ces until the first annual meeting thereafter.

Szc. 3. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of
the society and board of directors, and through the secretary to call special
meetings of the society or board of directors, when in his judgment the inter-
ests of the society demand it, or when he is requested in writing to do so by
five members of the society.

Src. 4. The Vice President shall preside at the meetings of the society and
board of directors in the absence, death, resignation, &c., of the President,
and generally perform his duties in case of his inability.

Src. 5. The Secretary shall perform the usual duties of such officer; keep
a fair record of the proceedings of the society and board of directors; give
notice of called meetings at the direction of the President, or Vice President—
as herein provided for—and due notice of all public exhibitions.

Sec. 6. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all moneys. No money
shall be paid out of the treasury excepting by order of the board of directors,
or of the society, certified by the secretary. He shall give bond for the faith-
ful discharge of the duties of his office, in such penalty and under such re-
strictions as the society or board of directors may require, and shall make
a report at each annual meeting of the society of his affairs as Treasurer.

Sec. 7. The Librarian shall have charge of any books, pamphlets or peri-
odicals which may be donated to, or purchased by the society, in accordance
with the by-laws of the society.

Sxc. 8. The Board of Directors shall have the general management of the
affairs of the society, in accordance with this constitution, and the by-laws
which may be adopted by the society or board of directors from time to time,
seven of whom shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Sec. 9. The Board of Directors shall annually appoint committees, con-

184

sisting of three persons each, to examine the different classes of articles
offered in competition, and to award the premiums offered by the society for
the same, keeping in view the directions of the Indiana State Board of Agri-
culture on this subject.

Src. 10. Any person residing in Shelby county may become a member of
this society by signing the constitution and paying into the treasury the sum
of one dollar annually, at or before the annual meeting, and may withdraw
from this society by giving notice thereof to the secretary, and paying all
moneys due from him to the society.

Szo.11. The Board of Directors shall have power to fill all vacancies that
may occur in any of the offices of this society.

Src. 12. Competitors for premiums must be members of the society.

Sxc. 13. The society shall hold regular meetings at such times and places
as may be prescribed by the by-laws adopted by the society, (say monthly
from September to April, inclusive.)

Sxc. 14. The annual fair or exhibition shall be held at such time before
the first day of November, and at such place as shall be selected at the annu-
al meeting on the first Saturday of September of each year, at least one
month’s notice thereof being given, as to time, place and premiums.

Src. 15. This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
society, by two-thirds of the members present, provided said amendments are
proposed in writing at the last regular meeting preceding the one at which it
may be adopted, and are consistent with the requirements of the State Board
of Agriculture, and not repugnant thereto.

President, Davin Wurtcoms; Vice President, Nataan Lewis; Secretary,
Davip Tuacuer; Treasurer, Jacos Vernon; Librarian, E. G. Maynew.

BY-LAWS OF THE SHELBY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Ist. This society shall hold its regular meetings on the first Saturday of
September, October, November, December, January, February, March and
April of each year, at the court house in Shelbyville, at the hour of 10 o’clock
A. M.

2d. The Board of Directors for said society shall hold their meetings at
Shelbyville, at the call of the President.

3d. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors of this society to make
out and publish a list of premiums to be awarded at the annual fairs of this
society; and to make out and publish the same on or before the first Saturday
of April of each year preceding the annual fair for said year.

4th. For non-attendance of any member of this society at any of its regu-
lar meetings, such member shall forfeit and pay to the treasurer of this society

185

the sum of 25 cents; and for each non-attendance of any member of the
Board of Directors at any regular meeting of said Board, such member shall
forfeit and pay to the treasurer of the society the sum of 25 cents: Provided,
however, That the society in the former case, and the board in the latter, may
excuse such absentees from such forfeiture, for good reasons shown.

5th. It shall be the duty of the Librarian of this society to subscribe for
all such books and periodicals for the use of said society as are ordered by the
society, and for which money in the hands of the treasurer not otherwise ap-
propriated, shall be appropriated by this society at their monthly meetings in
December.

The said Librarian shall keep said books and periodicals for the use of, and
for circulation among the members of this society, and none others. He shall
keep a register of the receipt and returns of all such books and periodicals,
which are hereby made returnable every four weeks.

No member shall be allowed to take from the library or retain during the
game time more than one book, and one number of a periodical. And any
member losing, destroying, or injuring any such book or periodical, shall pay

’ the fair damage to the librarian for the use of the society.

Any member who shall fail to return any book or periodical on or before the
return day, shall forfeit and pay to the librarian the sum of ten cents, for the
use of the society ; all which forfeitures and damages so collected by the li-
brarian shall be paid over to the treasurer, and his receipt taken for the same,
and by said librarian filed and kept in his office. Provided further, That the
society may, for good cause, remit a forfeiture for not returning a book or
periodical at the proper time.

It shall also be the duty of said librarian to report fully once every year
the whole of his official transactions to the society.

6th. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of this society to safely keep the
moneys coming into his hands, and disburse the same on the order or warrant
drawn on him by the Secretary, signed by the President and countersigned
by said Secretary ; and annually make full report of the financial condition
of the society.

7th. Neither the President and Secretary, nor either of them, shall draw
such warrant on the Treasurer for moneys unless the society shall have previ-
ously ordered such warrant, and made the specified appropriation of money.

186

STEUBEN COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE STEUBEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To the Honorable, the Indiana
State Board of Agriculture:

The undersigned respectfully submits the following an-
swers to some of your inquiries propounded in your circular
for 1851:

Wueat.—The varieties most esteemed in this county are
the Flint, the Sales and Red-chaff bald, the two latter varie-
ties yield the best when the seasons are favorable. Summer
fallowing for wheat by twice plowing is the usual mode
of preparing the ground. Time of sowing is from the Ist
to 15th of September. Time of harvesting, from Ist to the
15th of July. Most of our wheat is sold in Coldwater and
Hillsdale, Michigan, and in Defiance, Ohio. The price the
past season has averaged about fifty cents.

2. Corn.—lIs cultivated to some extent. The usual time
of planting is from the 8th to the 15th of May. The usual
mode of preparing the ground is, once plowing in the spring,
harrowing and marking out the ground in furrows. The
yellow dent is most raised. The average yield, thirty-five
bushels per acre.

3. Oars.—Are raised to some extent, but principally for
home consumption. The ground is usually prepared similar
to that for corn; two bushels are usually sowed per acre,
and the average yield is about the same. Average price the
past season, twenty cents per bushel. Rye and barley are
not raised to any considerable extent.

4. Grass.—Grasses are not raised to any considerable ex-
tent. The varieties in use are timothy and red-top; they do
the best on timbered land; clover is raised on the opening
land for hay, and is used as a fertiliser. Hay is worth five
dollars per ton.

187

5. Carrug.—Are raised to some extent for market; but
the common are the prevailing breeds as yet. Our farmers
are, many of them, waking up to the importance of improv-
ing their breeds of cattle, and have introduced some fine
specimens of the Devon and Durham breeds. The average
price of cattle at three years old of the common breeds
is $12.

6. Surer.—The rearing of sheep is beginning to attract the
attention of many of our farmers, and they are introducing
the Leicestershires, the Spanish and Merinos, and Saxony
breeds. The large common sheep of the country and the
Leicestershires are esteemed the best for mutton, and the
Saxony and Merinos the most valuable for wool. Our dis-
tance from market, the uncertainty of the wheat crop, the
cheapness of land, and the fact that sheep and cattle are
almost exempt from disease, render it probable that the rear-
ing of stock must soon be the great avocation of our agricul-
turists.

7. Som anv Timper.—We have almost every variety of
soil. Our prairies are a dark sand and loam on the surface,
while from two to three feet below is found a coarse lightish
colored gravel. The Bur oak land (as it is called from the
timber,) is a dark colored gravel; our common openings are
clay, yellow sand and a chocolate colored earth, sometimes a
dark colored loam.

Most of the timbered lands are clayey, except from six to
eighteen inches of the surface, which is a rich vegetable
mould.

Every variety of timber common to the rich soils of the
west are found here. Such as several varieties of the ash,
oak, maple, poplar, buckeye, walnut, &c., &c. Perhaps as
much of our county is covered with marshes or natural
meadows as any other in the north-eastern portion of the
State, producing marsh hay in large quanties, which answers
a good purpose for wintering cattle, and does well for horses
and sheep, if a small quantity of grain is fed. Most of the

188

marshes are capable of being drained of the surface water,
and in that condition are found to produce red-top grass of a
good quality, and in large quantities; in their native state
they produce the earliest feed for stock in the spring, owing
to the warmth kept up by the springs which are usually found
scattered over them.

Below will be found the names of the officers of the Steu-
ben County Agricultural Society, organized July 4, 1851.
No agricultural fair has yet been held. Arrangements are
made for holding a fair in the fall of 1852.

Yours, &c.,
A. W. HENDRY.

Officers of the Steuben Co. Agricultural Society.

Axuanson W. Henpry, President.
Joun Green, Vice President.
Levanp H. Stocker, Secretary.
Asner Winsor, Treasurer.

Board of Directors.

Millgrove township—Orlando Wilder.
Jamestown township—George A. Milnes.
Fremont township—Samuel A. Stewart.
Clear Lake township—Stephen A. Powers.
Scott township—Geo. W. Wickwire.
Pleasant township—Geo. W. Balding.
Jackson township—Philo Clark.

Salem township—John Loughery.
Steuben township—lIsrael D. Morley.
Otsego township—James Clark.
Richland township—Horatio E. Gordon.

Delegate to the meeting of the State Board of Agricul-
ture—Dr. G. W. McConnell.

189

TIPPECANOE COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE TIPPECANOE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,
To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

To give satisfactory answers to the many questions em-
bodied in your circular, or to render a statistical account of
the aggregate of crops raised in our county the present sea-
son, would be, (under the circumstances,) impossible. Could
means be adopted for obtaining an annual agricultural census
of the several districts throughout the county, the task of
rendering an account, by the aid of such statistics, would
not be difficult.

During the past year, an attempt has been made to estab-
lish a county agricultural society; but the efforts thus far
have been in a measure unsuccessful. The state of our mar-
kets is such at present that most of our farmers manifest a
great want of energy in all things pertaining to agriculture:
hence the depressed condition of affairs in the management
of the society. An attempt will be made, however, during
the present winter, to enlist more practical farmers among
the number of subscribers, hoping thereby to increase the
treasury sufficient to secure to us the benefits granted by the
act of the Legislature, approved February 14, 1851, entitled
“an act for the encouragement of agriculture,” which will un-
doubtedly place the organization upon a prosperous and per-
manent basis. The task of establishing a society in a district
where the sentiments entertained by the people are so adverse
to such “innovations,” is attended with considerable labor
and vexation.

When the time honored prejudices of our old fashioned,
anti-progress farmers shall have been overthrown, and a
general and liberal agricultural education substituted, we may.
expect a better condition of affairs.

190

Wurar.— This crop is by most of our farmers considered
very uncertain; the principal losses arising from winter kill-
ing or “freezing out;” but we are inclined to believe that
the want of success is attributable to the careless manner in
which it is cultivated. The usual manner of seeding ground
for wheat is to sow it among standing corn during the months
of September and October, and even so late as November,
the covering being done with a shovel plow—running fre-
quently in the same ditches made at the last tending of the
corn, which leaves the surface exceedingly uneven. So soon
as the freezing and thawing of winter commences, the ridges
crumble and partially fall into the ditches, exposing the roots
of the plants that grow upon the higher portions of the sur-
face. These plants must, in consequence, perish, or should
they survive this trial, are so sickly that they fall before usual
harvest ‘time. In these causes enumerated, chiefly lie the
want of success in cultivating this valuable cereal, which
might, with proper tillage, be made a comparatively remune-
rating crop.

The ground for wheat should be summer fallow, or ground
from which oats has been harvested. The plowing should be
performed during the early part of August. The plow should
be run at least eight or ten inches deep, and subsoiled if pos-
sible, especially if the subsoil is clay. The roots of the plants
will strike downward to the full depth that the soil has been
stirred, which ensures firmness to the stalk. A soil stirred
very deep is thereby rendered more permeable, and will more
readily absorb the summer rains and fertilizing gasses which
are returned through the agency of capillary attraction and
the fibrous roots to the plants, enabling them to perfect and
mature their grain, whilst on shallow soils the water runs off
instead of being retained; and should a protracted drought
follow, the result must inevitably be a parched and prema-
turely ripened grain. But to return to the manner of culti-
vation: After the plowing is completed the drag harrow
should be used twice, traversing in the direction of the fur-

191

rows following the plow—then crosswise. Should the ground
be cloddy, a heavy roller must first be used to crush the clods;
in such case a second harrowing is unnecessary. The ground
should then be allowed to rest and become settled until the
beginning of September, when the wheat may be sown upon
the surface without further preparation, at the rate of a bushel
and a half to two bushels per acre, and plowed in about three
or four inches deep, taking a narrow furrow-slice of not more
than a foot in width, after which the ground should be smooth-
ly rolled, which presses the earth compactly around the seed,
enabling it the sooner to absorb moisture, causing a speedy
germination, which is always desirable.

Although recommending the use of the plow, we do not
hesitate to say that wheat planted with a drill has many ad-
vantages over that sown in any other way; and where the
use of a machine can be obtained, we would recommend its
use. Wheat planted with a drill allows a free passage of air
throughout the field without obstruction, while the stalks
from their position are better calculated to support each other.
The seeding thus carefully performed, the plants are ensured
a full depth of root, and the surface being level, they cannot
be exposed by the slaking of the earth that covers them.

The kinds of wheat cultivated in the county is not confined
to any particular variety. We have noticed the bearded and
smooth Mediterranean, the common red chaff, and some va-
rieties resembling the Genessee white—all kinds being culti-
vated with about equal success; though some of our farmers
are of the opinion that the varieties of Mediterranean are
more certain of a remunerating yield, and less liable to the
attacks of the Hessian fly. Our farmers are not so particular
in selecting seeds as they should be. By a little precaution
in this matter, losses arising from rust and other diseases
might in a measure be obviated. In obtaining seed care
should be taken to secure varieties from more northern locali-
ties than those in which they are intended to be cultivated,
It ensures an earlier harvest than when seeds are selected

192.

from grain grown in a more southern climate. When it is
impracticable to obtain seed as recommended, it is advisable
that they should be selected from different qualities of soil:
Should the soil be of clay, get of wheat grown on sandy soil,
and visa versa.

In ordinary seasons the crop is ready for harvesting by
the beginning of July. It is usually left standing until dead
ripe, which is not advisable, the results of all experiments
proving the contrary. English farmers being so celebrated
for the exactness manifested in pursuing a course of agricul-
tural experiments, we may be pardoned for quoting here the
plan and result of one of the many trials made in the har-
vesting of wheat. J. Hannam, Esq., of Yorkshire, England,
experimented as follows:

Quantity No. 1 was cut a month before fully ripe.

Quantity No. 2 was cut three weeks before fully ripe.

Quantity No. 3 was cut two weeks before fully ripe.

Quantity No. 4 was cut two days before fully ripe.

Quantity No. 5 was cut when ripe.

Taking one hundred pounds of wheat from each quantity
cut, it yielded flour and bran as follows:

No. Flour. Seconds. Bran.
1, 75 Tbs, 7 Ibs. _ IT bs.
2, 6.4 7“ 16 «
3, 80 rT} 5 66 13 6“
4, vy 7“ 14 *
5, 72. il « 15) .«

“Jt thus appears,” says Mr. Hannam, “that No. 3, (cut
two weeks before fully ripe,) is superior to all other varieties ;
giving more per bushel than No.'5, (cut when fully ripe,) by
64 tbs. of flour, anda gain of about 15 per cent. on the flour
of equal measure of grain. 100 tbs. of wheat of No. 3 makes
80 ibs. of flour, while 100 Ibs. of No. 5 makes but 72 itbs.;
showing a gain of 8 per cent. in favor of grain cut raw.

“Tn grinding it was found that No. 5 cut the worst—even

193

worse than No.1. No. 5 contained a greater quantity of
flinty particles which would not pass. the bolt, than in any of
the others. The bran from No. 5 was coarse and heavy,
while that from No. 3 was thin as a bee’s wing.”

Mr. Hannam extended his experiments to some length, and
sums up the advantages of cutting wheat two weeks before
fully ripe as follows: First, there is a gain of 15 per cent. of
flour upon equal measures. Second, a gain in the weight of
straw of 14 per cent. Third, flour produced from No. 3 was
far better in quality than that produced by the grain cut at
any other time.

If our farmers would adopt the practice of cutting wheat
two weeks before fully ripe, they would not only secure the
benefits accruing from the increased weight of flour and
straw, but would secure their crops from the devastating in-
fluences of rust, which usually makes its attacks about the
time of ripening.

The crop is generally harvested with the common grain
cradle, or where convenient, the patent reaper is used. As
soon as practicable after harvesting the crop, it is hauled to
some convenient place in the field, where it is threshed with
a machine, and the grain placed in a rude crib or bin made
of common fencing rails, the inside being lined with straw to
secure it from wasting.(?) This course is unquestionably
wasteful, but is adopted more from necessity than choice, as
a very few of our farmers can boast the possession of a barn
or granary. But one benefit arises from this method of saving
grain, and that is, the liability of old bins to the incursions of
wevil, is in this completely obviated. Grain thus stored is
usually removed during autumn or early winter to market.

The average produce per acre for the past year will exceed
that of the preceding considerably. Crops improperly culti-
vated have been harvested at an average of not more than
12 bushels per acre; while as high an average as 35 bushels
has been secured from ground tilled as recommended. The
average for the season may be safely rated at 20 bushels per

194

acre, as per opinion of those acquainted with the crops of
the county, and that elicited by our own observation.

The market for all grain or produce of any kind is at the
city of Lafayette, our county seat, where there is an unlimi-
ted demand.

The prevailing prices of wheat for the season has been
from 40 to 50 cents; the latter being the present price.

Corn.—This is the staple crop of our county. The prin-
cipal reason that it is so universally grown is, that it is a.cer-
tain crop. Failures are so common among all other cereals
that the culture of them has in a great measure been aban-
doned. The amount raised is increasing rapidly. Our prairies
are being settled by farmers emigrating principally from the
eastern and middle States, who usually exhaust their capital
in the purchase and improvement of their farms, and conse-
quently cannot engage in the raising of live stock for want
of means. The only alternative left is to invest their labor,
which in almost all cases is appropriated to the culture of
corn.

In preparing ground for corn it is plowed as early as the
season will admit—usually during the month of April or be-
ginning of May. In the preparation of the ground, most of
our farmers are very careless. The course commonly pur-
sued is to plow very shallow, and “mark out” immediately
after; whilst the only proper method should. be to plow deep,
very deep, and pulverize finely with the roller and drag har-
row previous to marking. Should the soil be sufficiently fri-
able, the use of the roller may be dispensed with. Ground
prepared in this way has many advantages, particularly in
the early part of the season. The ground being rendered
permeable can absorb the moisture, thereby enabling the
young plants to endure more drought. In ordinary cases,
where the former careless manner of preparation is pursued,
the young plants suffer so severely, should the early part of
the season be dry, that they scarcely ever re-establish their
wonted vigor. So soon as the young corn is up, or has

195 —

attained the height of two or three inches, the “tending ”
commences. First the drag or tooth harrow is used, the cen-
tre teeth being raised. This serves to loosen the soil and
disturb or destroy the young weeds that may have com-
menced growing. After it is thus gone over, then follows in
most cases the shovel plough. This implement is used almost
exclusively throughout the county, and sometimes unques-
tionably doing great injury to the crop. We admit (all that
is claimed for it) that it is a perfect weed destroyer; and at
the same time do not deny that it is a perfect corn destroyer
too..

The great injury generally done is in running too deep close
to the corn, thereby cutting and displacing the roots. This
course of constant irritation being pursued, the plant is forced
to form new fibrous and lateral roots, which tends to stimu-
late the plant with an over-abundant supply of sap, and
causes an enormous growth of stalk, but proves detrimental
to the formation of grain. Were it in place we could give
as evidence, to prove the assertions made, the results of many
experiments which have proved satisfactory and successful.
If this course of treatment is beneficial to corn, it naturally
follows that it would benefit most other plants while growing,
and we had as well apply the axe to the roots of our fruit
trees. Any observing, practical farmer can easily satisfy
himself that this barbarous practice is unadvisable, by a few
similar experiments with other objects of the vegetable king-
dom. But we fear we are digressing from the duty of ren-
dering a report of the manner of cultivation.

The proper method of culture, as adopted by most eastern
farmers, (who have satisfied themselves with the ability of
the shovel plow, or “go-devil,”) is to plow very deep, pul-
verize finely, and in tending the crop, use a cultivator or
other implement of like utility to stir or loosen the surface
and keep the field clear of weeds. Were this course gene-
rally adopted and practiced with us, our statistical reports

196

would undoubtedly show an increase in the aggregate, of at
least 15 or 20 per cent. over the present returns.

As other evidence in defence of our position, we would
refer any one interested to the many accounts published of
extraordinary yields of corn, in either of the great corn
growing States of the west, (particularly Ohio, Tennessee
or Kentucky,) and where an explanation of the plan of
production is appended, we venture to challenge the instance
in which the shovel plow or any other ditching machine has
been used in tending the crop. In every such case (that has
come under our notice,) a cultivator or implement of similar
construction has been used.

The kinds of corn that are cultivated are generally of the
gourd varieties. Though we may in many cases, without
much difficulty, discover evident traces of almost all existing
varieties in the same field. An attempt has been made to
introduce the Virginia white gourd seed, but the length of
our seasons are unsuited to the culture of so late a variety.
This however, mixed with the Pennsylvania or Sioux flint,
gives weight and plumpness to the grain, and ensures a much
earlier and more certain harvest.

We have introduced a variety of pure yellow corn, (slightly
indented) from Southern Ohio, which promises to yield abund-
ently, much more so than any kind we have noticed in the
county. The only precaution necessary in the cultivation of
it is, to plant early, (about the first of May) as it is rather
later than the varieties commonly in use.

The average yield per acre for the past season, is not so
large as that of the past. The early part of the tending
season being so rainy, that in many cases, farmers were com-
pelled to abandon large fields that had been planted, and con-
fine their labor to only a part of the ground they had intended
to cultivate—many entire crops were in consequence, but
slightly tended and the result was a diminished yield. We
think the average for the present season may be rated at
forty bushels per acre, although this seems a low estimate, it

197

is in accordance with the opinions of those practically ac-
quainted with the measurement of crops and is therefore as
correct as it is possible to conjecture.

The cost of production upon an acre of corn requires some
calculation, but an estimate sufficiently accurate may be
made by comparing the customary prices of labor with the
amount of work usually done by a “hand” in a day; the re-
sult would be as follows, viz:

Three-fourths of a day plowing at $1 50 per day, $1 12}
One-fourth of a day harrowing at $1 50 per

day Ae ah ee as cue Re oleh ate chee eres wees Soe ee easels 374
One-fourth of day marking and planting, (one
hand and boy) Sr MERRMate fac eTe oie hel orcrae hres ete ever ec 50
Three times tending with cultivator-+++.-++++++- 1 00
Seed «oe cecccccccnvceresceccscsscecvesesese 05
Cost of production RUoret sPev e's Ghel'e| sate EBs cls! ei e's sel ea are $3 05
Harvesting and cutting Ups +++++s sees es ee cerns 624
Husking and cribbing 60 bushels at three cents per
DUSNOL sis sae eee vhs webs ee er wees meteee eee 1 80
$5 474
Marketing 60 bushels at twenty cents per
bccn. filitey eo) DaTipbay jetpleeate gu $12 00
Fodder sec ccccccccrsecrsverscvesesne. 1 00
Value PEL ACTE+ se sere eee eee eee eeees $13 00
From which deduct interest on land---- $1 20
Added to whole cost-++++++-++++eeeeee 5 47}
AMOUNT © < sso c ce rece t reser eeerereee 6 673
The result as will be—Value-+---es see eeeeeee $13 00
hii esepeampeace ak it Se 6 674
Nett profits: 2... lees ee eee eee $6 324

We rate the average yield at sixty bushels per acre which ~
we consider quite reasonable of any ordinary season, if the
crop is properly planted and tended. If a good season it

198

may be increased to eighty or even ninety bushels. The
price (twenty cents) is low ; although it is the present price,
it is no criterion, as it is below the price paid for many seasons
past. We think twenty cents per bushel can be realized as
an average price for the crop exclusive of the cost of hauling
to market, as is represented by the foregoing calculation.

Oats.—This crop is not cultivated to any extent, not being
so certain to ensure a remunerating yield as the corn crop.
Our alluvial soil is too rich to accord with its habits; it causes
an overgrowth of straw, and in consequence falls before the
grain is mature. Of a dry season only the crop is profitable.

These remarks refer of course to our soil in its naturally
fertile condition. Lands that have been cultivated for many
years and are comparatively sterile, will yield a reasonably
good crop, however wet the season may be.

The varieties cultivated, are chiefly confined to the white,
the straw of the black growing too rank.

The present season being unusually wet the amount pro-
duced or harvested will be comparatively small. In many
cases where the crop had fallen before fully ripe, much of it
was burned upon the ground to save the trouble of remov-
ing it.

The average yield per acre would have been very great the
past season, if the disasters referred to could have been
evaded. We may, however, be justifiable in placing the
estimate the same as though such had not occurred. Many
crops we have noticed would undoubtedly have yielded as
much as forty or fifty bushels to the acre, but the average
could not be justly rated at more than thirty-five bushels.

The present prices for oats are fifteen to seventeen cents.

Ryr.—Very little raised. The full amount raised in 1850
in the county according to the census statistics was but 160
bushels. From the little experience we have had in cultiva-
ting the crop we consider it equally, if not more profitable
than wheat, not being liable to so many casualties.

If our farmers would attempt the culture of it, there. is

199

little doubt, but that they would be amply compensated.
The same remarks are applicable to the barley crop, though
of this there is more raised.

The present price of rye in our market is thirty cents.

Fuax.—A new era is about commencing in the cultivation
of this valuable crop, since the discovery of the manufacture
of flax-cotton. Should the anticipation of the inventor, and
others engaged in the manufacture be realized, our farmers
cannot commence raising it too soon. There is no doubt
that our soil is well adapted to the cultivation of it, the cer-
tainty of which will be tested during the coming season by
the Hon. H. L. Ellsworth, President of our society, who
contemplates seeding several hundred acres with flax, the
result of which may be presented to the Board in some sub-
sequent report.

Grasses.—It is surprising that so little attention is given to
the cultivation of tame grasses for winter fodder. The actual
value of hay in wintering stock is almost incalculable, with
which fact most of our farmers seem unacquainted, or if fa-
miliar, are too dilatory to avail themselves of its advantages,
dependence being placed chiefly upon corn fodder, straw, or
natural grasses.

We suppose that one prominent reason why it is
not more generally grown is, that it does not yield abund-
antly; but here in many cases the farmer is in fault, either
for want of proper culture, or too apt to be a want of seed.
We have known instances where but three quarts of seed
were sown to the acre. Such a course of farming is a bur-
lesque upon good husbandry.

Several experiments having been tried within the few past
seasons in the seeding of grass lands, we are disposed to fa-
vor the most successful, i. e.: that of sowing in autumn with
the wheat crop, as is practiced with universal success in all
eastern States. Sowing grasses with wheat is productive of
many advantages. ‘The varieties usually sown being meadow
cats-tail or timothy and red clover. The presence of the

200

latter particularly is considered by many foreign agricul-
turists as indispensable to the wheat, with which it is sown.
Its tap roots often penetrating to the depth of a foot serving
as channels for the admission of rains into the soil and de-
signed to absorb from the soil and atmosphere, many super-
fluous substances, which would give grossness to the wheat
plants, thereby causing the bursting of sap vessels and pro-
moting the growth of fungus and parasitical substances on
the stalk, usually known as rusts. The grass also is benefit-
ted by being sown in the manner referred to, as the wheat
plants in return very gratefully protect or shade the young
grass from the rays of the scorching sun by which the crop
is not unfrequently destroyed or burnt out.

The grass seed should be sown immediately after the wheat
is covered, while the ground is yet moist on the surface,
after which the roller should follow, which covers the seed
sufficiently. Not less than a peck of seed should be sown on
an acre; either all timothy or five quarts of timothy and
three of clover. The cost of producing grass in the manner
recommended is very trifling as no additional labor is neces-
sary in preparing the ground.

The advantages of mowing on a surface so smoothly rolled
must be experienced to be appreciated.

Experiments are being tried with grass seed, (timothy) by
itself, and also with oats as a partial protection against the
sun and severities of winter; the results are yet in mystery,
but may be reported hereafter. The amount of hay made
during the past season will greatly exceed that of many pre-
vious. The latter part of spring and early summer being
unusually rainy it favored the growth of grass materially.
The produce on well taken grass lands will average very
nearly one and a-half tons per acre.

The price per ton in Lafayette at the present time, is quo-
ted at $10. ;

Porarors.—Our soil is well adapted to the cultivation of
this crop, which would undoubtedly be one of the most prof-

201

itable, were it not for the disease so prevalent for a few years
past. Since the appearance of the contagion the production
of the crop has been almost abandoned, except in small quanti-
ties for domestic use or home market; none scarcely being
raised for transportation. Considerable reluctance is mani-
fested by most farmers to experiment in the culture of this
crop, in order to devise means to arrest the progress of the
disease. They seem to be awaiting the result of trials by
others.

We are aware that numerous scientific experiments have
been made, and as many remedies recommended, but have in
most cases proved a failure, and where successful are to most
farmers inaccessible.

By a course of careful observation, perseveringly practiced
almost since the first appearance of the disease, we are led
to believe that the principal cause of disease or rot is an ex-
cess of moisture, or at least it is promoted by moisture. We
give a brief statement of means whereby the disease may
to considerable extent be obviated. In selecting potatoes for
seed care should be taken to get those of a large size, they
are better matured than small ones, and will ensure a more
speedy and vigorous germination, which is desirable.

The planting should be performed as early as April first, or
at least as early as the condition of the ground will admit,
of which. the farmer must be judge. The ground selected
must be a side hill or at least a location on which water
never stands. The rows or drills running in a direction that
they will not obstruct running water. The plowing (which
should be very deep and subsoiled if possible,) to be done
some days previous to seeding time to allow the earth time
to settle sufficiently to cast a furrow whilst planting.

These precautionary measures being observed, all that re-
mains to be done, is to to plant well and keep the field clear
of weeds while growing by proper tillage, and the crop will
soon ripen, perhaps by the beginning of August if the plant-
ing is done as early as recommended. So soon as the vines

202

are dead and the skin set, they are fully ripe and must be
gathered.

The neglect to gather previous to the commencement of
the fall rains is almost equivalent to the abandonment of the
crop to the rot, which will immediately follow, should it be
in any way susceptible to the infection.

The digging or rather plowing out should be done during
the dry weather in August. We have known crops which
were apparently sound, to have been partially removed at
the time recommended, while the balance (which was left a
a few days to be saturated by September rains,) were scarcely
worth the digging. The first gathering remaining sound.

By strictly pursuing the foregoing plan for several years
past both in this county and southern Pennsylvania, we have
never sustained damage to any extent, except where the
planting was unavoidably done in low places in the field, and
there it seemed impossible to evade the disease—even alkalies
proving unavailing.

The average of the crop produced cannot be satisfactorily
obtained, little regard being given to the measurement of any
produce not designed expressly for the market. We suc-
ceeded during the season of 1850, in producing an average
of 340 bushels per acre, and have no hesitation in assert-
ing that an average of 200 bushels may be raised of any
ordinary season, provided they are properly tilled.

The most profitable variety that is cultivated, we believe
to be that commonly called the Pink-eye, so called from the
color of the pits or eyes; but we think properly called by
English producers, Moulton White; their skin is white and
shape round. We do not like them so well as the Mechan-
ock or Mercer for family use, but are certainly more profita-
ble to raise, not being so susceptible of disease. We have
mixed the two varieties in planting the same field, and have
discovered the Pink-eyes to be perfectly sound, whilst the
disease attacked only the Mechanocks.

203

The cost of production per acre would be about as follows,
viz:
First plowing three-fourths of aday---- $1 124

Second plowing at plantings -+--+-+++-- 1 50
Two boys one day planting.-+-+++++-- 1 00
Ten bushels seed at fifty cents per bushel, 5 00
Four times tending, one hand and horse, 2 00
Two days plowing at gathering------- 3 00
Two days for three boys gathering: ---- 3 00
Interest tome lai de © opm cere, tis oye 8 leveye m oh ecate 1 20
$17 824
Sale of 200 bushels at twenty-five cents, (supposed
K0) 0) Ce ee ic $50 00
From which deduct hauling, five cents
per bushel. + +++ sees cere teen e eee ees 10 00
Added to whole cost: ++++s+e++sseeeee 17 824
27 824
Nett profits paatetasenin <i thehegate Busta il oge it sya caine s bye tenes & ope $22 173

Or more than the nett proceeds of three and a-half acres
of corn.

This calculation is made for soil where there is no,addi-
tional cost for manuring, which if done would yield propor-
tionately.

The cost of seed is a considerable item of expense, the es-
timate is made at a price which they are supposed to be
worth at planting time. The price (twenty-five cents,) sold
for is low, being less by twenty-five per cent. than the present
low market prices. We have sold potatoes in Lafayette at
seventy-five cents per bushel.

Carrie.—tThere has been more attention paid to the breed-
ing and rearing of this stock than to any other, it comprising
the principal production of some of our best farms. Good
breeds have been introduced from Kentucky and Virginia,
bred ,originally from imported stock; the correct pedigree

204

however, is at present difficult to trace. We find colors and
forms which denote relationship with the long and short
horned Durhams, Devon, Ayrshire, Alderny and almost all
the original breeds known. The best stock we have, is a
cross of the Durham and Devon, which generally gives form,
color and disposition almost unattainable by any other
crosses.

We might here appropriately make some remarks relative
to the selection of stock designed for different purposes, cost
of production &c.; but a want of time and a fear of intruding
on your time and space urges us to desist.

But little attention has yet been bestowed upon the dairy:
there is not the least doubt that a well established butter
‘dairy in the county would be a source of considerable profit
to those engaged in it.

The prices of butter and other dairy produce in our mar-
ket compare very favorably with the expense of conducting
it; good cows may be selected from almost any district in
the county; some that we have noticed and whose qualities
have been tested, could be placed in fair competition with the
best animals in good eastern dairies.

The prices of good cows vary according to quality and
conditions of sale. For cash sales one might rate from $12
to $20; but when sold on time, ten per cent. may be added.
This, however, is no standard. The prices of steers rate ac-
cording to age and qualities; good one year olds from $8 to
$10; twos, $12 to $14; threes, $18 to $22. These prices,
compared with the cost of raising on our cheap prairie pas-
tures and corn fodder, represent a fair profit.

Horses.— Although reference to this indispensable part of
farm stock is not made in your circular, we venture a few
hints relative to their breeding, supposing the omission unin-
tentional. Quite a brisk business has been done for a few
years past in raising horses; the prices being such as to justi-
fy the farmers in investing considerable capital in the business.
But it is a matter of regret that no particular or distinct

205

breeds are bred. Evident indications of relationship with the
old Connestoga draft, down to the Irish hunter, or similar
anomalies, may be detected in the same animal. They are
bred for no particular purpose. If more attention was paid
to raising horses for the field and road separately, it would
be more profitable. In selecting a horse for the road, we
may be pleased with the formation of body and neck, whilst
we are compelled to reject the animal on account of clumsy
limbs or pinched nostrils, and the same difficulties are en-
countered in selecting for farming purposes. It is well known
to all acquainted with the form and habits of the horse, that
breeds distinct from each other in many respects, and adapted
to all purposes desired, from the dray to the saddle, may be
formed. In breeding for the eastern markets it is indispensa-
ble (to be profitable) that a breed should be distinct in itself.

We had better raise a horse worth $200 than a mongrel
worth $50, at the same cost.

The breeding of mules has been more generally engaged
in, they being more profitable than horses. Colts at usual
weaning time, (from 4 to 5 months old) are worth but $12 to
$16, while mule colts of the same age will readily bring $28
to $35; at two years old $60 to $70, and the demand in-
creasing.

Sneer.—But little attention is given to the raising of sheep
as a source of profit. A few are kept by most farmers, prin-
cipally for family use; an occasional one being slaughtered
for provision, and the annual “clip” exchanged at the facto-
ries for blankets or clothing.

The health of these small flocks is good, except in a few
cases where the foot rot has appeared.

We fear that our level prairies are not well adapted to the
growth of sheep, particularly in marshy grounds. The sub-
ject of wool growing on our prairies has been speculated
upon and ably discussed by many eastern agricultural jour-
nals; but any one acquainted with the sheep, its habits and
liability to disease, would at a glance pronounce the flat prai-

206°

ries of our country unsuited to their breeding, especially in
large flocks; ground very undulating or even rugged and
mountainous being better adapted to their habits. A few
sheep of the finer qualities or grades of merinos were intro-
duced into the county a few years ago, but have, through
careless breeding, degenerated. Some of the coarser breeds,
with large carcass, might be made very profitable by fattening
for the butchers; but the encouragement for raising the
smaller breeds for wool is not at all flattering.

Hoas.—Considerable carelessness is manifested in the breed-
ing of this invaluable stock by most of our farmers. A hog
is a hog! no matter how large the ears, snout or legs; they
may form almost the entire animal, still they are kept and
bred from. One great and culpable error committed by ma-
ny, is breeding sows too young. It is nothing unusual to
see one of six or eight months old, with a litter of a half
dozen pigs at her side. This litter, of course bred by a sire
of the same age of the dam, and perhaps of the same litter,
the breed soon becomes degenerate.

An attempt has been made by some farmers to introduce
good breeds, and they are still to some degree sustained, but
in a very limited number of cases. They have been princi-
pally of the small Berkshire breed; their form is neat—color,
black ; size quite small, which renders them unprofitable for
the market, especially when kept for a length of time. This
is the principal cause why they have not been more thorough
bred.

The number of hogs sent to market this season is not so
many, it is supposed, as that of last year. The prices of corn
rating so much higher last year than this, it was considered
unprofitable to feed so much pork ; consequently all hogs of
sufficient size were disposed of before regular wintering sea-
son commenced, and the number thereby much diminished.
All farmers, however, who adopted such a course, have re-
gretted the step taken. The difference in the present prices

207

of the two marketable commodities, reveals to them that the
course was injudicious.

The habits of roaming to which our swine are addicted,
makes them unprofitable. It seems to be their leading char-
acteristic; even when penned such an unsettled disposition is
manifested that they appear to have no satisfaction in living.
Hogs well domesticated undoubtedly thrive better by 100 @
cent. than when allowed to range over the extent of territo-
ry usually allotted to them. We have seen hogs of these
roaming breeds slaughtered at 18 to 24 months old, and not
be made to weigh over 200 ibs., which is certainly unprofita-
ble when compared with well domesticated animals that will
weigh 250 to 400 tbs. at 12 to. 15 months old; and this too,
produced by the same, or perhaps less amount of feed than
was consumed by the former. In most eastern States, hogs
are confined to pens or small pastures during the entire year,
and fed upon grain at three times the cost of western pro-
duce, and still they are considered profitable, although the
prices of the pork produced seldom if ever is worth double
the price of ours. Docility is an indispensable trait in the
character of a hog.

The present prices of pork in our markets are $3 @ $4,
according to weight and quality.

Frurr.—Considerable attention has been appropriated to
the culture of apples by some farmers in our county, but
there is yet room for improvement, or at least for a more ex-
tensive outlay in the business. The varieties produced are
generally good, among which we may name the Spitzenberg,
Vandever, Rambo, Bellflower, Newtown and other Pippins,
Greening, &c., which for flavor, and (most of them) for keep-
ing qualities, may be rated No. 1. Beside these there are al-
most innumerable varieties of inferior qualities, too tedious to
mention.

From the fine specimens produced in our county, we should
judge that our soil and climate are well suited to the growth
and perfection of this fruit: and our only wonder is, that the

208

cultivation of it is not more general. Four-fifths of our far-
mers have no orchards at all. They seem to be too busy in
raising corn to turn attention to any thing more profitable.

The best time, we believe, for transplanting trees, is late in
the fall. So soon as the weather pecomes cold enough to
strip them of their leaves and force down the sap, they may
be removed with comparative safety. Care should be taken
not to break or otherwise injure the roots; to dig the hole
large enough to receive them without forcing into unnatural
positions, each fibre being allowed appropriate space. The
earth, in covering, must be well pulverized and shaken among
the roots in order that they may be firmly embedded to pre-
vent any motion below the surface.

So soon as the tree is planted, three stakes should be driven
into the ground triangularly, at a distance of about three
feet from the tree, and well twisted straw bands attached to
the tops of them, the other ends being fastened to the tree
at or near the first limbs. These supporters should remain
for one season at least, or until the tree has become so well
secured as to ensure it against storms. These rules should
be strictly adhered to. Many farmers consider the loss of
their newly planted transplanted trees unaccountable, when
the entire cause is, being loose in the ground and permitted
to shake.

We might make some reference to the most approved
methods of engrafting and budding, but it would be almost im-
possible without the aid of illustrations to explain it satisfac-
torilyupon paper. As it is usual for most farmers to purchase
trees already budded, we can perhaps make better use of
space in recommending means for evading the depredations
of insects or worms which sometimes destroy our orchards.
The enemy most common among apple trees, is what is com-
monly called the borer. It is a small worm or grub, usually
of a dirty white color; its attacks are made upon the trunk
of the tree at or near the surface of the ground.

In order to prevent these incursions, the farmer need ap-

209

propriate but little time and expense, if attention is punctu-
ally given. The best and cheapest preventive is lime, which
may be applied as follows: during winter or early spring,
when the frost is out of the ground, with a hoe or spade re-
move the earth from around the tree to the distance of eight
or ten inches, exposing the tops of the main roots; let this
vacuum be filled with about a half peck of lime that has been
previously well slacked, allowing the lime to form the entire
surface between the tree and the surrounding earth.

Across this the borer will not venture; it is to them an im-
pregnable barrier, and as an additional benefit will promote
the health of the tree and entirely expel grass. Similar ap-
plications should be made at least once in a year, which will
be sufficient.

Should the borer already have attacked the tree, the best
method to extirpate is to force a small wire after them, which
will effect the object, unless they have proceeded too far; in
such event they must be removed by cutting. With care
but little risk is sustained by this operation. It is better to
venture than allow the enemy to remain, as in this case the
destruction of the tree is inevitable.

To prevent the depredations of the borer upon the cherry,
peach, plum, apricot or nectarine, coal ashes should be sub-
stituted for lime. The latter being too severe in its effects.
A strong solution of soap may be used occasionally upon
peaches or plums with benefit, the suds being applied to the
trunk of the tree while hot.

Improvement oF wet Lanps.—This question, though last,
is of the first importance to the grain raising farmer, who
wishes to make improvements necessary for conducting farm-
ing operations properly.

Though ponds may be beneficial in eonferring an annual
irrigation upon the soil they occupy, they are unquestionably
great obstacles to the proper arrangement of a farm; their
presence being unavoidable, the only alternative left to the
farmer is to adopt means to discharge their contents.

210

Ditches or drains for this purpose are usually formed by
manual labor. Numerous machines have been used but with
little success. A more expeditious method may be adopted
by the use of the plow. A space for a drain should be laid
out of sufficient width to admit of two horses abreast. Fur-
rows may be thrown both ways so deep as it can conveni-
ently be plowed; after it is once gone over, the loose earth
may be thrown out very speedily with a long shovel; the
plow may then be used again and until a sufficient depth
shall have been attained. In this way the labor of breaking
the earth can be done by horse power, which is certainly
preferable to breaking with a hand spade.

Open ditches are commonly used more from necessity than
from choice, there being no material available with which a
permanent drain can be constructed; the best material that
can be used is flat or flag stone, they serving to support the
earth, and are sufficiently open to admit of the passage of
water. This material however, cannot be obtained. Tile
might be substituted, but the expense renders them inaccessi-
ble to most farmers, consequently the presence of the un-
sightly open drains so common in our country must be used.
The only objection that can be offered to the utility of the
open drain (exclusive of appearance,) is the caving of the
banks forming them, though this difficulty may be overcome
by forming permanent banks of sod. Any farmer when
breaking sod can easily haul off quantities sufficient to for-
tify his ditches. Pieces may be cut of six inches in width
and any convenient length; commence by laying down the
first piece flat in the bottom of the ditch, and continue build-
ing on this foundation, until the entire bank is covered; care
being observed to break joints as in masonry. The grass
growing from the edges of the sods soon forms a covering
almost impregnable, which will ensure the banks against frost
or any changes of weather.

We notice many ditches that are entirely iusufficient to
drain the ponds with which they are connected. This is of

211

course for want of proper depth, perhaps an incorrect calcu-
lation having been made at the time the ditch was made. <A
very cheap and simple method for calculating a proper depth
or level being applicable, we may appropriately suggest it.
Obtain the use of a large sized spirit level; drive a stake at
the edge of the pond in a place where the water is on a level
with the main body; the height of the stake may be of any
convenient altitude, say five feet; upon this place the level,
and adjust it in a correct position pointing in the direction of
the required ditch; then direct an assistant to fix a stake at
any required distance from the level, upon which place a
conspicuous moveable object, which may be elevated at
pleasure; by taking a correct sight or aim over the top of
the level, the assistant may be directed to place the object
at an altitude corresponding precisely with the level. The
calculation is then easily made. For instance, should the
height of the object be three feet from the surface of the
ground, it is evident that a ditch of two feet must be dug at
that point to be on a level with the pond; the depth of the
pond being considered, and sufficient allowance made for fall,
the labor can be easily accomplished with certainty. In this
way every farmer can do his own leveling and dispense with
the expense and services of a civil engineer.

Some remarks relative to the fertilizing influences of the
irrigation of soils might here be in place, but time forbids.

Conpition or Acricutrure.—tIn a newly settled county,
such as we occupy, it is hardly to be expected that agricul-
ture should have attained the acme of perfection. Still it
should be the desire of the farmer in any section to promote
the advancement of agricultural improvement. The most
prominent defect in conducting farming operations in our
county, is a too free use of the plow and a desire to cultivate
too much land. The very fact of attempting to produce
thirty acres of corn with one hand and team is sufficient evi-
dence, that it is done ina careless and slovenly manner. The
amount produced, (generally an average of about thirty or

212

forty bushels per acre,) and the abundant crop of weeds oc-
cweyine such fields is unmistakeable and conclusive testimony

f the error committed.

A hand can neither plow nor half tend so large an
area. Better save one half of the investment of money in a
farm and appropriate double the amount of labor; were this
course more general, our farming districts would present an
improved aspect.

It is nothing unusual in many districts to find farms almost
overrun with weeds in consequence of bad tillage. Large
headlands being left of perhaps a pole in width, they are so
thickly set with these stealthy intruders, that a view of the
crop is almost impossible, and not unfrequently we find plats
in the middle of the field entirely abandoned to the weeds,
particularly if the spot be subjected to an overabundant supply
of moisture. We find this to be the case where a field has
been devoted to many successive crops of corn, the cause
being a supply of seeds scattered by weeds that have grown
after the crop has been laid by, which is sufficient to prove
that the crop has not had necessary attention. This cause
is evident from the fact, that upon newly broken sod, weeds
are scarce. Subject any ground to regular western rotation,
i. ¢., first year, corn; second year, corn and weeds; third
year, weeds and corn; fourth year, weeds, and we will soon
have an unmanageable farm. Every farmer should endeavor
to cultivate no more ground than he can cultivate well, and
in so doing be careful to return to the soil sufficient maure
or fertilizing substances to re-establish the richness of his
ground.

No general course of rotation being adopted, the same
ground is usually planted to corn for as many as ten or even
fifteen consecutive years. Many who have considered their
ijands inexhaustible, and have followed this ruinous practice
since their first settlement in the county, now find their
farms nearly worn. out, and are compelled to use various
means to restore their fertility.

213

The injudicious practice of impoverishing soil by a too free
use of the plow, will soon ruin any country; it may make
rich fathers, but will certainly leave to the children, or those
who may subsequently occupy such a farm, a worthless and
sterile soil, too poor to ensure even a comfortable living.

All farms should be so divided and fenced, that a regular
rotation of crops may succeed each other. Ground should
be put down to grass and allowed to rest for as many as
three or even four years. If this course is pursued, and suf-
ficient manure applied during the process of rotation upon
the crop calculated to derive the most benefit from it, there
need be no fears entertained by the farmer of deterioration
in the fertility of his farm.

We hope it will not be inferred from the foregoing remarks
that all the farmers in our county are pursuing the injudicious
practices referred to, as such is not the case. Although a
majority are in some measure addicted to slovenly habits in
conducting their farming operations, still there are some
who have redeeming traits. We notice many well culti-
vated farms in the county, that may be placed in fair com-
parison with those of any section of the Union. A com-
mendable spirit of improvement seems to be pervading some
districts, that will undoubtedly exert a beneficial mfiuence
over our whole county.

There is but little ground in the county that is not suscep-
tible of cultivation. Our rich alluvial soil is adapted to the
growth and maturing of all cereals. Our agricultural popu-
lation is increasing. Our rail and plank roads hastening to
completion; and our markets unlimited. These and other
advantages accruing with rapidity, render our position desira-
ble, and there is but little doubt that we shall soon be in
possession of one of the richest agricultural districts in the
State.

Concivsion.—In presenting our report, we have endeav-
ored to confine ourself strictly to what is practical, and to
express it in as plain a manner as it is possible todo. Our

214

recommendations have been made from observations or
knowledge elicited from practical experience. We have en-
deavored to be brief, and in so doing feel that we have not
done justice to any subjects considered; but to explain at
length, the cultivation and use of grains; the propagation and
treatment of fruit trees, or the best methods of breeding and
improving farm stock, would be the labor of weeks and re-
quire the space of a large volume to give it publication.

Hoping that in the manner presented it contains the in-
formation desired, we respectfully submit it to the considera-
ation of the Board.

JOHN LEVERING,
Cor. Sec. of Tippecanoe Co. Ag. Society.

COMMUNICATION FROM MR. J. J. BINGHAM.

Larayverte, January 7, 1852.

Joun B. Ditton, Esq.,
Secretary Indiana State Board of Agriculture:

Dear Sir:—In compliance with the rules of the Board,
annexed I forward you copies of the proceedings of the Tip-
pecanoe County Agricultural Society since its organization.
You will observe that as yet but little has been accomplished ;
the main object to the present period having been to awaken
an interest in the society and progress in agriculture on the
part of the farmers of the county. Those who take the most
interest in the matter, propose that we shall hold a Horticul-
tural and small Fruit exhibition next spring, and a general
fair in the fall following. We have had no public addresses

215

yet, but in lieu thereof have endeavored to give the public
meetings that we have held, a conversational character. This
was thought the best way to develop practical views, and
give the meetings a general interest.

The reports from the different canvassers to obtain mem-
bers to the society have not yet been received in full, but I
should judge that the society would number one hundred
and fifty members. The annual fees are fixed at one dollar
each. The society contains several farmers of great experi-
ence and energy, and whose practical experiments in the
modes of cultivation, the most profitable crops, and in the
use of new agricultural implements, will be of great benefit
to that portion of the community.

An experiment will be made next season by one of our
farmers, on a large scale, to test the practicability and profit-
ableness of raising flax cotton on the prairie. This will be
a matter of great interest if successful, not only to the present
owners of the prairie land, but to the future occupancy of
the immense tracts that extend to the west of us.

In due time these various experiments will be made known
through our society for the benefit of the agricultural com-
munity generally. These facts I have named to give an idea
of the usefulness of the society. As to its progress, its mem-
bers generally are of that class who will give it an onward
impulse.

The corresponding secretary of the society has replied in
full to your other inquiries, to which, for further particulars,
I beg leave to refer.

Respectfully,
J. J. BINGHAM,
Rec. Sec. Tip. Co. Ag. Society.

216

[From the Lafayette Journal.}
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

It will be noticed by the official proceedings in another
column, that an agricultural society for this county was or-
ganized on the 5th inst, and that officers were elected to
serve until the annual meeting, which occurs on the first Sat-
urday in June next. An adjourned meeting of the society
will be held in this city on Saturday next, when it is hoped
that all who feel an interest in the subject of agriculture will
make it a business to be present, unite with the society, and
lend a helping hand to give it value and efficiency.

Mr. Benbridge has presented the society with a beautiful
blank book, prepared expressly for the object, in which the
constitution and by-laws of the society have been transcribed,
and to which the signatures of the members are to be attach-
ed. This book can be found at the office of Messrs. Ben-
bridge & Mix, and every citizen is invited to call there and
enrol his name as a member.

With union and a little effort, a society can be established
which will impart a great deal of interest to, and aid materi-
ally in developing the resources of, and the best methods of
cultivating the soil, and the improvement of stock, of horti-
culture, of fruit, of agricultural implements, and all those
auxiliaries connected and associated with agriculture. We
hope there will be a general turn out on the occasion.

TIPPECANOE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A meeting of the citizens of the county was held in the court house, pursu-
ant to notice previously given, on Saturday, the 8th of March, for the purpose
of forming a County Agricultural Association.

The meeting was called to order by T. T. Benbridge, Esq., on whose mo-
tion Lemuel Devault, Esq., was appointed chairman, and J. J. Bingham,
secretary.

217

On motion of John Levering, a committee of five was appointed, consist-
ing of T. T. Benbridge, A. Loyd, J. D. Smith, John Levering and J.J. Bing-
ham, to draft a constitution, by-laws and organization for an agricultural so-
ciety for Tippecanoe county, to be submitted to an adjourned meeting.

On motion of Mr. A. Loyd, the following committee was appointed to solicit
subscribers to the association:

Jackson township—Isaac Shelby, J. W. Odell.

Randolph—Thomas A. Taylor, L. Devault.

Lauramie—Samuel F. Clark, Samuel Richards.

Sheffield—Basil Steele, Samuel Favorite.

Perry—Jethro Wade, David Gushaw, E. King.

Washington—Robert Fisher, John Cunningham.

Tippecanoe—Samuel McCormick, William Kendall.

Wabash—Philip McCormick, Jesse B. Lutz, Henry B. Oilar.

Shelby—Benjamin Eastburn, George Woolfer.

Wayne—Dr. Turner Welch, John O. Wattles.

Fairfield—T. T. Benbridge, Luther Jewett, E. M. Weaver, James Earl, J ohn
Purdue, O. L. Clark, H. L. Ellsworth.

On motion of Mr. Levering, it was

Resolved, That the annual payment of the sum of one dollar shall be required
from each member of the association, which shall be a condition of member-
ship.

On motion of Sanford C. Cox, Esq., M. H. Winton, W. C. Wilson and Geo.
Kettle were appointed a committee to make arrangements for the next meeting.

On motion of J. D. Smith, it was

Resolved, That a meeting of the citizens of the county be called on the first
Saturday in April next, to complete the organization of the association; and
that the several committees appointed by the foregoing resolutions, be re-
quested to report at thai time.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.

LEMUEL DEVAULT, Chairman.

J. J. Brrewam, Secretary.

TIPPECANOE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

An adjourned meeting of the citizens of Tippecanoe county, favorable to
the formation of an agricultural society, was held, pursuant to notice, in La-
fayette, on the 5th day of April.

On motion, T. T. Benbridge, Esq., was called to the chair, and J. J. Bing-
ham was appointed secretary.

The committee who were appointed, at the previous meeting, to draft a
constitution and by-laws for an association for this county, presented a copy

218

of each, which, after amendment and discussion, were adopted, and the soci-
ety was then duly organized.

The following officers were then elected to serve until the annual meeting
on the first Saturday in June:

Prusipent—Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth.

Vice Presipents—F. Leaming, M. D., John Levering, Henry Oilar.

TreasurER—Thomas T. Benbridge, Esq.

CorrEesPponDING SEcRETARY—O. L. Clark, M. D.

RecorpinG Secretary—J. J, Bingham.

Memerrs or Counciz—Dr. Turner Welsh, Wayne township; Andrew Insley,
Jackson tp.; G. S. Forman, Lauramie tp.; L. Devault, Randolph tp.; S. Elliot,
Sheffield tp.; E. King, Perry tp.; J. Fisher, Washington tp:: Allen Loyd,
Fairfield tp.; John Barnard, Tippecanoe tp.; Canada Fink, Wabash tp.; Ben-
jamin Eastburn, Shelby tp.

It was then resolved that the officers and council of the society be appoint-
ed a committee to solicit subscriptions to the constitution, and receive the
annual dues, which was fixed at one dollar per annum.

The society then adjourned, to meet in the court house in Lafayette on the
19th instant, when it was hoped that all good citizens who feel an interest in
agriculture will be present and unite with the society.

T. T. BENBRIDGE, Chairman.

J. J. Brycuam, Secretary.

TIPPECANOE CO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY—ANNUAL MEETING.

The regular annual meeting of this society was held on the 7th instant,
at the court house in Lafayette, the Hon. H. L. Ellsworth, the President, in
the chair.

On motion of W. K. Rochester, Esq.,

The society proceeded to elect its officers for the ensuing year.

Messrs. T. T. Benbridge and John Levering were appointed tellers.

Mr. Ellsworth was then nominated by Mr. Rochester for a re-election to the
Presidency of the association for the ensuing year, and was unanimously
elected.

In accepting the trust Mr. E. stated that he deemed the election and posi-
tion more honorable than a seat in Congress or the Gubernatorial chair, and
that he should take the highest pleasure in doing all in his power to advance
the interest of agriculture—the basis of our wealth and prosperity.

219

Messrs. Forman Leamine, Epenezer Kine, L. Devavir and H. Ornag, were
then elected Vice Presidents ;

T. T. Bensripce, Treasurer ;

Joun Leverine, Corresponding Secretary ;

J. J. Bryeuam, Recording Secretary ; and

Luruer Jewett of Fairfield, H. Leamine of Randolph, R. Fiswer of Wash-
ington, Mr. Exxiorr of Sheffield, G. S. Forman of Lauramie, J. B. Lurz of
Wabash, Jeraro Wave of Perry, J. SHaw of Tippecanoe, I. Suensy of Jack-
son, Turner Weicu of Wayne, and B. Easrsurn of Shelby townships, Coun-
cil for the ensuing year, or until their successors be appointed.

The President stated that he would give the meeting a method of preparing
corn for late planting which he had tested practically, having raised a good
crop from seed prepared in that way, put in the ground on the 20th day of
June, last year. Pour boiling water upon the corn and let it remain for 12
hours. Put it then in a heap and cover it with an old carpet or large cloth,
for the purpose of retaining the heat, for one day. By that time it will com-
mence sprouting, and it is ready to plant. A little saltpetre in the boiling
water will aid the process.

The mowing machine and stalk cutter, in consequence of the break in the
canal, had not arrived, but will be ready for exhibition at the next meeting.

It was remarked by a member, that it had been stated at a previous meeting
of the society, that it would take four days to transport cattle from here to
New York city, on the completion of the Lafayette and Indianapolis and Belle-
fontaine railroads. This estimate is too high. It would easily be done in
three days, giving the cattle ample time at Erie to rest and feed, where they
would have to change cars, owing to the increased guage of the Erie railroad
track. It was thought that the saving in the weight of the cattle and the
cost of driving alone, the present method of driving necessarily depreciating
them 15 or 20 per cent. before they arrive at the market point, would fully
pay the expense of transportation. The saving of time and interest and
quick returns would enhance greatly the value of farming lands in the west,
as, also, the profits of the agriculturist.

The best implements for breaking up the soil, was regarded a very impor-
tant matter for the consideration of the society. A mechanic was coming
here to manufacture from 500 to 1,000 plows each winter, and it was impor-
tant that the best patterns should be selected. The President stated that he
was experimenting with from 15 to 17 different patterns, in order to test the
value of each, and suggested that a committee be appointed to examine and
report upon the subject generally—-and to forward the purpose would give the
use of his plows.

Messrs. G. S. Forman, Elliott, Samuel Wilgus, John Cunningham and Lem-
uel Devault were appointed a committee to conduct the examination and re-
port to the society the result of their experiments.

The subject of the improvement of stock was then introduced. It was
stated that some extraordinary good cattle were shortly to be brought into this
county. One farmer, who had taken some pains to improve stock, had been

220

offered $75 dollars a yoke, for three year old working cattle. The President
said that he had heretofore suggested the propriety of working cows, and
saw no objection to it. He had determined to try the experiment. The no-
tion existing against it was, he thought, a foolish prejudice. He had now
cows yoked for plowing. In Switzerland it was a common thing to see cows
working with horses in harness; and cattle were and could be worked with
bits like horses. Why should cows be exempted from labor? It was a great
loss to every man who kept cows, to have this kind of non-producers. Our
wives, our mothers, labor while nursing their children, and no objection is
offered to it. And among the brute creation, the mare suckles her colt, and
yet she is not exempt from work. He thought that no reason existed for ex-
cepting cows from the common destiny—labor—unless the exemption extend-
ed to all who could plead the same excuse or cause.

Upon the subject of flax cotton some new, interesting information was
given. It was deemed to be the most valuable subject that could be intro-
duced for consideration. New inventions for the rotting and preparing this
fibre for spinning, in the common cotton machines, so that the flax cotton
should not cost over six or seven cents per pound, had been suggested in Eng-
land, and also at Lowell, in Massachusetts. It only required six or eight
bushels of seed to produce an acre of flax, and the stem will answer for the
fibre. A new plan had been devised for pulling flax by horse power, thus
saving a great portion of the labor which it now requires by doing it by hand.
The mowing machine would work well in cutting flax, as it would mow from
fifteen to twenty acres per day. The advantage of flax over cotton is, that
while the seed of cotton is worth nothing, that of flax will alone pay the cost
of raising the crop. The texture of flax cotton is fine and beautiful, and
looks like silk. It takes a beautiful dye. It can be raised cheaper than cot-
ton. The culture of flax is well adapted to this section of country, and the
advantages it possesses for raising it places this part of the west in a high
position. In raising it, the ground is to be plowed in the fall and the seed
can then be harrowed in. This new thing should be hailed as an indication
by Providence that we shall not longer be dependant upon cotton.

The President stated that he was building 27 miles of his new fence, which
would take but 6,000 feet of lumber to the mile. Its advantages were not
only on account of its cheapness, but that it could be easily taken up and
removed. He stated also that he turned sheep into his cornfields in July, and
that they eat the cockle and weeds without disturbing the corn. These new
kind of cleaners not only destroy injurious weeds, but at the same time sus-
tained themselves without cost, making very cheap laborers. °

The treasurer was ordered to have 500 copies of the constitution and by-
laws, with the names of the officers and present members, printed and distri-
buted.

The following subject was proposed for conversation at the next meeting:
The gathering and preservation of corn.

The papers in the county were, on motion, requested to publish the pro-
ceedings of the society.

221

The next meeting will take place on the first Saturday in August next, at
the court house in Lafayette, and it is hoped that every farmer in the county
will be present on the occasion.

The new horse-power mowing machine, which has arrived since the last
meeting of the society, will then be exhibited; also some new specimens of
flax cotton, and other things of interest to the agricultural portion of the
community.

J. J. BINGHAM, Recording Secretary.

VIGO COUNTY.

REPORT OF THE VIGO COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

The Vigo County Agricultural Society hereby respectfully
submits its first annual report to your body:

The society was organized under the provisions of an act
of the General Assembly, entitled, “an act for the improve-
ment of agriculture,” approved February 14, 1851, on the:
16th day of August, A. D. 1851, when the following persons
were elected officers, to-wit:

Grorce Hussey, President.
Tuomas Duruam, Vice President.
Samvet B. Gooxrns, Treasurer.
H. W. Auten, Secretary.

And the following persons were appointed Directors from

the civil townships of said county, as follows:
Corey Barbour, of Harrison township.
Frederick Markle, of Otter Creek township.
John Bell, of Nevins township.
Wm. Ladd, of Lost Creek township.
Thomas Sankey, of Riley township.
Wm. Brown, of Pierson township.

222°

Elijah Pounds, of Linton township.

Ransom W. Bentley, of Prairie Creek township.
John Weir, of Honey Creek township.

Thomas McCulloch, of Sugar Creek township.
James W. Shepherd, of Fayette township.

The society also adopted a constitution and by-laws agreea-
ble to the rules and regulations of your honorable Board.

The society did not deem it expedient to hold a fair during
the past fall, and therefore no awards were given for im-
provements in agriculture and household manufactures, &c.

Several meetings of the society have been held, and from
the spirit manifested, it promises well to be useful.

These meetings were for the purpose of securing a perma-
nent organization; as the sickness that generally prevailed
at the time the society was organized, prevented it from ac-
complishing more than was accomplished, and it is trusted
that this will be received as a satisfactory report.

This society will contribute largely to develope the rich
resources of the county within its jurisdiction, and during
the next year, we will be able to comply fully with our duty.

It would have been a source of pleasure for this society,
to have furnished you with a statement of the principal kinds
of agriculture productions of this county, the aggregate
amount of the same, the average yield per acre of the prin-
cipal crops, the value or current price of the products in
market, the place where sold, and other information, as
would have enabled you to have prepared a statistical table,
in which this county would receive justice, as in reports here-
tofore made, her resources have been depreciated.

Respectfully submitted :
GEO. HUSSEY, President.

H. W. Auven, Secretary.

223

WAYNE COUNTY.

————

REPORT OF THE WAYNE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
To the Indiana State Board of Agriculture :

In compliance with the law of January, 1851, 1 beg leave
most respectfully, to submit the following report:

The Wayne County Agricultural Society was organized
on the 29th of October, 1849. Its constitution is in accord-
ance with the law of the State subsequently enacted by the
Legislature, on that subject, both instruments having been
prepared by the same individual.

The officers elected were as follows:

Daniet Crark, President.

A. M. Brapsury,
Josnua Ex1ason,

Acuittes WiiutaMs, Treasurer.

Wo. T. Dennis, Secretary.

Vice Presidents.

Board of Directors.

Jacob Fender, of Abington township.
William Druley, of Boston township.

John P. Doughty, of Centre township.
Daniel Bradbury, of Clay township.
Deniston Thornburg, of Dalton township.
William Fulghum, of Franklin township.
Robert Murphey, of Washington township.
Dr. 8. 8. Boyd, of Harrison township.
Branson L. Harris, of Green township.
Edward Lawrence, of Jackson township.
L. W. Williamson, of Jefferson township.
David Willcutts, of New Garden township.
William Rupey, of Perry township.

D. P. Holloway, of Wayne township.

224

The following is the list of premiums offered, and which
were awarded at the First Annual Fair, held at Richmond,

on the 7th, 8th and 9th of October, 1851 :

ON CATTLE.

Butus.—Oregon, Druley & Davidson, Ist premium, —-
3: Osceola, Morrow & Co., 2d premium, - -
&¢ Lord Nelson, Druley & Stanley, - - -

BULL CALVES UNDER ONE YEAR.

Ozxecon.—George Davidson, lst premium, bh ‘noes
wi Hiatt & Broaddus, 2d premium, - - -

YEARLING BULLS.

Poan.—Hort Ferguson, lst premium, - 2 * -
Dante. Boonz.—Druley & Wiatt, 2d premium and diploma,

TWO YEAR OLD BULLS.

, Hiram Sultzer, lst premium, - z : n
Fortung.—W. D. Jay, 2d premium and diploma, - -

DAIRY COWS.

——, Nimrod Ferguson, first premium, - - - -
——, Sanders Lancaster, second premium and diploma, -
——, John Maxwell, - - > - - -

COWS FOR BEEF.

Gotpen.—Barton Wiatt, first premium, - : -
ApELAIDE.—Commons & Co., second premium and diploma,

HEIFER CALVES UNDER ONE YEAR.

Mvyra.—George Davidson, first premium, - - -)
—, Levi Druley, second premium and diploma, - ;
Rutu.—J. Loder, (Fayette county) - - - :
—-, N. Druly, - 2 - - - -

YEARLING HEIFERS.

Oxive.—Dennis Druly, first premium, - - : -
ApgLarpg 2d.—Commons & Co., second premium and diploma,

- $6 00
4 00
Diploma.

2 00

- 100

- Diploma,
Diploma:

1 00

225

FAT BULLOCK.

Wiggins & Shaw, first premium, - -
WORKING CATTLE.
John Hains, - - : : 8 "
YEARLING STEERS.

Lroparp—Daniel Clark, - - F A,
—, George Grimes, - - - -

HORSES.

Stallion for Draft.

Jotty RanteR—James Harris, second premium, -
Arcuy Licutroor—John Baily, - = =

STALLION FOR SADDLE.

Wacconer—Flem Wasson, first premium, - -
Basoaw—Ferris & Hiatt, second premium, -
-Capmus—W. Spinning, - - - -
Beitrounper—Leonard & Co., trotting stallion,

BROOD MARES.

Aaron Shute, first premium, - - = “

N. Hipes, second premium, - Z :
Joseph Rich, - - - - ft s
Samuel Morris, - : “ : 2

FOR SADDLE HARNESS, AND ALL WORK.

James Endsley, for draft, first premium, - 2
Hiatt & Broaddus, for draft, - - -
D. B. Abrahams, saddle and harness, : -
Joseph Druly, saddle and harness, - -
James White, saddle and harness, - - -
Brttrounprr—D. B. Abraham’s trotting mare, -
Wm. Spinning, saddle, : = sie 2

TWO YEAR OLD COLTS.

Nicholas Hipes, first premium, - = :
Jesse T. Williams, second premium and diploma, -

- $3 00

Diploma.

- 5 00
2 00
Diploma.

5 00

- 3 00
Diploma.
Diploma.

4 00
- 3 00
Diploma.

Diploma.

3 00
Diploma.
Diploma.
Diploma.
Diploma.
Diploma.

First, premium.

Jexny Linv—William Spinning, - - - - - Diploma.
J.C. Dougan, - - - - - - - Diploma.

SUCKING COLTS.

F. Hoover, first premium, - - - - 5 b $3 00
Ferris & Hiatt, second premium and diploma, - - - - 100
Benjamin Hill, - - - - - - - Diploma.
Vinnedge Russell, - - - - - - Diploma.

MATCHED HORSES.

William Spinning, - - - - First premium, and diploma.
Pleasant Johnson, - - - - 2d premium, and diploma.
MULES.

Thomas C. Purl, first premium, - - - - - 3 00
E. S. Reed, foreign, - - - - - - Diploma.
JACKS.

Buus Jim—N. & L. Druley, first premium, - - - 5 00
HOGS.

Boars—James White, first premium, - - - : - 300

«Elihu Cox, second premium, - : - - 2 00

Sows—David Hale, first premium, - - Z 2 - 300

se Reese Mendenhall, second premium, ° - - 2 00
SHEEP.

H. Maxwell, best fine wool buck, premium, - - EB - 300

William Feazle, second best fine wool buck, premium, - - 1 00

M. R. Hull, certificate of merit on 10 head of fine wool bucks.
J. Hammond, of Union co., for the best long wool Leicester buck, Diploma.

L. & N. Druley, for two ewes, Cotswell, - - - Diploma,
L. G. Collins, of Clinton county, on 10 Saxony and French Merino
lambs, - - - - > - - Certificate.
POULTRY.
J. Halleck, best pair Poland fowls, premium. - . - 1 00
E. Cox, for Cochin China fowls, - - - - - Diploma.

The premium was awarded to the Polands for their superior laying quali-
ties, regarding them as most profitable. The Cochin China are preferred for
table use.

227

~ FRUIT.
The only specimens offered were a fine selection of apples by John

Catey, premium - - - - a g - $3 00

VEGETABLES.

5.8. Boyd, best assortment of garden vegetables, premium, - 3 00
J.J. Conley, second best assortment garden vegetables, - Diploma.
S. G. Dugdale, best tomatoes, - - - - - Diploma.
S. G. Dugdale, onion setts, - : - - - Diploma.
B. W. Hiatt, baking squashes, - - - - - Diploma.
A. & J. Vestal, best sweet potatoes, - - - : Diploma.

CARRIAGES AND FURNITURE.

8. R. Lippincott, best carriage, premium, - - - - 5 00

J. D. Halleck, best buggy, - : - - - - 5 00
A. Philips, best bedstead, - - - - - - Diploma.

LEATHER MANUFACTURES.

William L. Brady, best farm harness, premium, - - - 400
Wiggins & Sons, best farm bridle, - - - : > Diploma.
Wiggins & Sons, best buggy harness, premium, - - - 400
W. L. Brady, second best buggy ee premium and diploma, - 2 00
W. L. Brady, coach harness, - - - - Diploma.
W. L. Brady, Somersett saddle, first premium, - - . 3 00
Wiggins & Sons, second best saddle, diploma and premium, » - 100
Wiggins & Sons, best riding bridle, - - - - Diploma.
G. W. Bowman, best boots, - - - - : Diploma.
G. W. Bowman, best shoes, premium, - - - - 2 00
Wiggins & Sons, best sole leather, - - - - Diploma.
Joseph Beam, second best sole leather, - - - - Diploma.
Wiggins & Sons, best calf, upper, b. and h. 1., - - Diploma.
Wiggins & Sons, best hard leather trunk, - - - Diploma.
DAIRY.

Mrs. Mary D. Barker, best butter, first premium, - - - 200
Mrs. Sarah Stidham, second best butter, second premium, - - 1 00
Mrs. Druley, - - - - - - - Diploma
Mrs. Copillar, - = = s y 3 fe do

Mrs. Mary Bulla, - - = _ A = do

Mrs. Stuffee, - & Z FA is # 2 E do

Mrs. Endsley, - = 3 = = s - do

Mrs. Johnson, - » ts e _ = a do

298

PLOWS FOR GENERAL PURPOSES.

S. Horny, jr., best plow for general purposes, first premium, - - $3 00

Beard & Sinex, plow for general purposes, 2d premium, - 2 00

Beard & Sinex, left handed Empire Index for'general purposes, § Diploma.

Beard & Sinex, Empire No. 6, for general purposes, - - Diploma,

D. S. Horney, plow for general purposes, - - Diploma.
SOD PLOWS.

Beard & Sinex, ‘Red Bird,’ steel plow, first premium, : ae ,
Beard & Sinex, Clipper, two horse steel plow, second premium, - 2 00
THREE HORSE PLOWS.

D. S. Horney, stubble plow, first premium, - - - 3 00

Beard & Sinex, Red Bird, (1st premium as sod plow) - - 3 00

do do do as stubble plow, : - Diploma.

do do left hand index, - - . - do

SUB-SOIL PLOW.

Beard & Sinex, steel sub-soil plow, first premium, + - 3.00
CORN PLOWS.

Beard & Sinex, corn plow, Ist premium, - - ° 2 00

HARROWS.

Beard & Sinex, harrow, first premium, - - - - 200
CULTIVATORS.

Beard & Sinex, three shovel cultivators, first premium, - - 2 00

GRAIN DRILLS.

Beard, Sinex & Dennis Hagerman’s Renovating Grain Drill, Ist prem. 4 00

R. Mayhew, Gatling’s Drill, - - - - Diploma.
FANNING MILLS.
Z. Barton, Fanning mill, - - - - - Diploma.
RAKES.
Beard & Sinex, three hand rakes, - - - ‘Diploma.

GRAIN CRADLES.
Sinex & Parks, grain cradle, diploma and first premium, - 1 00

229

CLOVER HULLER.

N. Newberry, clover huller, highly recommended, - - Diploma.
CORN SHELLER.
W. D. Wilson, corn sheller, first premium, - + - $2 00
CIDER MILL.
W. D. Wilson, cider mill, - - = - - Diploma.
THRESHING MACHINES.
A. Gaar & Co., first premium, - - - - 4 00
A. Gaar & Co., diploma and second premium, - : - 200
F. W. Robinson, : : : - - Diploma.

PLOWING MATCH.

B. Newby, best specimen of plowing, three horses abreast, not

less than ten inches deep, with Beard & Sinex’s plow, - 1st premium.
B. Newby, best specimen of plowing two horses abreast, not less

than six inches deep, with Beard & Sinex’s plow, - - lst premium.

GRAIN AND GRASS SCYTHES.

Beard & Sinex, best grain scythes, - - - - Diploma.
do do _ do grass scythes, - - - Diploma.
do do do brier scythes, - - - - Diploma.

FORKS.
Beard & Sinex, best general selection of forks, - - Diploma.
SNEATHES.
Beard and Sinex, best mowing sneathes, : - - Diploma.

REAPING MACHINES.
Saul Thomas McCormick’s Reaper, - - . Diploma.
FLOUR.

Most and best flour from ten bushels of wheat, to Lynde and Sweeny,
first premium, - - = “ 3 - 300
W. Mitchell, - - - : * - Diploma.

230

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Best rag carpet—Mrs. Martha Ferguson, first premium, - - $2 00
Best linen table cloth—Mrs. M. Conley, 1st premium, - - 2 00
Best bed quilts—Miss Maria Waters, Ist premium, - - 300
Best bed quilts—Mrs. Fryar, second premium and - - Diploma.
Best stool cover—Mrs. Susanna Dugdale, . - do
Best lamp mat—Mrs. W. L. Farquhar, - = - - - do
Best stand cover—Miss Sarah Roberts, - - - do
Best table spread—Miss Cox, - - - - do
Best card basket—Miss Amanda Morris, - - do
Best embroidery—Miss Sarah Wall, - - - do
Best soap—Mrs. D. P. Wiggins, - - - do
Best sugar—John Caty, first premium, - - - 1 00
Best hat—Stephen Jones, - - - - Diploma.
Best suit of clothes—W. L. Farquhar, . - - do

*,* Nore.—The committee on cattle report that they found it extremely
difficult to determine the award of the first premium on bulls, and recommend
both “Oregon” and “Osceola” as superior animals.

For a further notice of the Fair, I copy the following arti-
cle from the Richmond Palladium:

The first annual Fair of the Agricultural Society of this
County, was held at this place during the past week. It far
exceeded the expectations of its projectors, and the most san-
guine friends of the enterprise. The crowd in attendance
was very large, and was estimated at from ten to fifteen
thousand.

The Carriace exhibited by S. R. Lippincott, was gotten
up in his best style; and for proportion, arrangement, beauty
and smoothness of workmanship, cannot be excelled in the
west. Its embellishments are rich, but not flamingly gaudy—
sumptuous, but not superfluous. We are informed that his
Excellency, Governor Wright, in the laudable desire to en-
courage the mechanics of his own State, and to foster a
commendable ambition to excel, purchased this carriage for
the use of his family.

The Bucey gotten up by J. D. Halleck, is a perfect bijou,
and fully sustains, and even excels the high character of the

231

work done at his establishment. The style is the most mod-
ern, but in it good taste has not been sacrificed to fashion
and inconvenience. In neatness, it is all the most fastidious
could desire. In richness of material, and style of finishing,
it is worthy the most refined taste. A neater and better job,
we have never seen, East or West.

A Loom was exhibited by C. S. Mendenhall, which is very
simple in its arrangements, and easy in its operations. The
whole labor consists in pulling forward and returning the
beam, by which the treadles are worked and the shuttle
thrown. <A child eight years old can work it as well as a
grown person. We understand he has applied for a patent.

The Bran-Duster, patented by James S. Hughes, of this
county, was exhibited in a small model, but entirely sufficient
to test its superior merits for divesting bran of every particle
of flour that may attach to it in ordinary bolting. It re-
ceived a Diploma at the Ohio State Fair; and has been in-
troduced in several of the best mills of Ohio and Indiana.

The Enece Toous submitted by Mr. Meek, of this place,
were of superior finish and quality. With proper machinery,
Mr. Meek would compete with eastern manufacturers. His
make of axes is regarded by many persons who have used
them as much better than Collins’ best.

The Corn-S HELLER, made and exhibited by W. D. Wilson,
of the Richmond Foundery, is one the most efficient of this
class of machines. The workmanship was good and run with
light force. It will shell 25 bushels an hour, by the force of
one person.

The Ciper-Miut, put up and submitted by Mr. Wilson, is
one of the most convenient things that can be had on a farm.
It occupies a space of only about four feet square—can be
easily removed from the fruit cellar to the orchard, or else-
where, as convenience may require. It grinds and presses
by the same power.

The Bze-Hrve, exhibited by S. M. Cook, received a certifi-
cate of merit, and is regarded by those who have used it as

232
among the best of Hives. The one exhibited by S. Roller,
is thought by some as the perfection of Hives—the arrange-
ment being such that the bees can continue to make honey
the whole year, by having the material placed in their reach.

The Cannies of M. C. Lewis and C. Zimmer, were said by
the judges, (and they tested their qualities in the most posi-
tive manner, by eating something less than half a pound,)
to be far superior to most of that article brought here from
the cities.

The assortment of Brusues, made in this place, by D. &
J. J. Wilson, and exhibited by W. P. Wilson, were far supe-
rior to most of those found in the stores. The hair brushes
particularly deserve commendation. The backs and handles
were made from native wood, and polished equal to the best
foreign woods. They can furnish traders as well as the
manufacturers further east.

The Snor Pees made and exhibited by Mr. Conley, of this
place, are the article in perfection. This is a high character,
but we are assured by those of the craft who know their
value, that they cannot be beaten here or elsewhere.

The Snower Barn, exhibited by A. C. Dill, of Centreville,
is the ne plus ultra, for its convenience, neatness and utility.

A premium was awarded to John Peterson, for a Stone
Fence, erected by him in the front of the residence of J. H.
Hutton. The distinction was well deserved, not only for the
quality of the material, but the style and manner of work-
manship.

The Pumps, introduced by Messrs. David Knowlenberg,
Micama Wasson, and Joseph Dickinson, were all neatly got-
ten up, and either of them would meet the expectations of
any person who wanted a good pump.

Mr. Jesse M. Hutton, submitted the plan of his dwelling
house to the inspection of one of the committees, and was
awarded a Diploma, for its general arrangement, convenience,
and its relative cheapness for the same. We should be
pleased to see a sketch of it published. Mr. Lewis Morris,

233:

also presented a plan of his farm house, and was awarded a
certificate. We have not examined either of these plans, but
we were pleased to see the society disposed to encourage
improvements in architecture, and particularly in farm houses,
for in this there is a great deficiency.

A Hand-Spinning Machine, invented by Mrs. Margaret
Hulings, of Randolph county, was exhibited. It is said by
those who have examined it to bea great labor-saving ma-
chine, and that a person with the assistance of a boy or girl,
can spin as much upon it in one day as they can on the com-
mon “big wheel” in four or five. It has 10 spindles, and is
very simple in its construction. With it and Mendenhall’s
Loom, our farmers can manufacture within their house-hold
all the clothing necessary for their use; and we shall come
back to the “good old days” of home-spun wear.

Silas M. Fleming presented a fine rifle gun, of his own
mannfacture. It was a neat specimen in the line of “shoot-
ing irons,” but having some horror of the murderous things,
we did not examine it closely.

John K. Boswell, made a fine exhibition of Daguerreotypes.
They are a credit to him as anartist. Others were exhibited
which were very creditable to those who got them up. We
were particularly struck with one of the latter, being a like-
ness of our friend, Judge Test. It was true to the life.

The premium for the best rag carpet, was awarded to Mrs.
Martha Ferguson. It is decidedly the neatest and best we
_have ever seen—made, we presume of new rags, and firmly
woven. Other and very neat, and more expensive specimens
were exhibited.

The committee on Domestic Manufactures, say the “linen
table cloth presented by Mrs. Martha Conley, is a good speci-
men, and deserving of commendation.” A premium of $2 00
was awarded for the same. The committee further say,
“those of half cotton, presented by Mrs. Samuel Fryar, were
very fine, and superior to any exhibited.”

The same committee, in speaking of Bed Quilts, say, “we

234

were at quite a loss in judging of the superiority of the ladies
work, and would respectfully suggest for the consideration
of the Executive Committee, the propriety of, in future, ap-
pointing a committee of ladies, separately, or in with men,
to judge of ladies’ work. We made such an examination as
the crowd of spectators would permit, and were of the opin-
ion, that for beauty of vine and leaf, and neat arrangement
of figure, the one presented by Miss Maria Waters was su-
perior to the others; but if true merit consists in the superior
stitch, and complete line of needlework, the one presented
by Mrs. Samuel Fryar, was decidedly the best of any pre-
sented, and we would respectfully recommend that a premium
be given to each—to the latter for superior needle-work, and
to the other for the most complete arrangement of figure.
There was also a white quilt, or quilted counterpane, pre-
sented by Mrs. C. C. Bundy, which we regard as decidedly
superior to any of the kind offered, and in fact a most com-
plete piece of workmanship, and worth a premium and a
diploma.”

The committee further say: “we examined the Hat sub-
mitted by Stephen Jones, and although none of the commit-
tee are hatters, yet they are of opinion that it is a substantial
David Beard hat.”

“We examined the suit of clothes exhibited by W. L.
Farquhar, and pronounce them to be a complete piece of
workmanship, and worthy of encouragement.”

“The various specimens of Zephyr-work were examined,
and the stand-covers, worked by Mrs. Susannah Dugdale, to
be the best, and that by Mrs. W. L. Farquhar, as second.
Those presented by Miss Sarah Roberts and Miss Cox, were
very neat, and worthy of encouragement.”

“The Card Baskets, made by Miss Amanda Morris and
Miss Roberts were very neat. That made by the former su-
perior.” |

“The maple sugar presented by John Catey, we mark as
A. No. 1, and recommend the premium be awarded to him.”

235

«’We examined the embroidery made by Miss Sarah Wall,
and pronounce it very good, not surpassed by any of the
French embroidery brought to our town for sale, and respect-
fully recommend that the proper distinction be conferred
upon it.”

“We examined the Domestic Soap, presented by Mrs. D.
P. Wiggins, and pronounce it decidedly worthy the com-
mendation of the Executive committee, as we regard that
the manufacture of this very useful article is entirely too
much neglected by our country-women, if not by our citizens
generally—consequently a large amount of money is sent
from this county for the purchase of soap made in other
places. The article exhibited is superior to the common box
soap brought here in such quantities from Cincinnati.”

The committee on Dairy Products report that they award
the premium on Burrer to Mrs. Mary D. Barker; the second
premium was somewhat difficult to determine—the samples
all being good and excellent butter. It was determined,
however, to award the second premium to Mrs. Sarah
Stidham, and a Diploma to Mrs. Druley. Also a Diploma
to Mrs. Copilla, Mrs. Bulla, Mrs. Stuffee, Mrs. Ensley, and
Mrs. Johnson. The committee bear testimony, cheerfully,
to the general excellence of the samples of butter submitted
to their examination, and would say that they have taken
some pains to obtain information as to the process of making
the article brought up for exhibition, and submit the follow-
ing:

“The cream collected in four days, in earthen pans, on a
ground floor, in a log milk-house—churned on Monday—
worked over four times—salted to taste—the precise amount
of salt not noticed—no coloring matter used. This is my
usual method of making butter.

Martua D. Barker.”

“Mrs. Stuffie takes the necessary quantity of salt, one-
fourth as much salt-petre, and one-sixth of loaf-sugar.”

The committee would also recommend that those contend-

236

ing for premiums on butter, at our next annual Fair, should
put it up in pound cakes, nicely printed. We think it would
be advantageous to the maker as well as the judges.”

The above report was made by D. D. Sloan, John Stuffie,
and Elihu Cox.

The millers who contended for the premium “for the most
and best flour from ten bushels of wheat,’ were Messrs.
Lynde and Sweeney, and Wm. Mitchell. The former ground
600 pounds of wheat in one hour and forty-five minutes, pro-
ducing 522 pounds of flour—52} pounds to the bushel. Mr.
Mitchell ground 720 pounds of Wabash and Red wheat, the
flour of which weighed 576 pounds—the offal 143 pounds,
making 719 pounds, losing one pound in the operation. The
premium was awarded to Messrs. Lynde and Sweeney.

The Farm Harness, exhibited by W. L. Brady, and for
which a premium was given, was said by those competent to
form correct opinions, a very superior article. The Buggy
Harness, submitted by Mr. Brady, was very beautifully got-
ten up, we thought difficult to be excelled, though the com-
mittee awarded the premium to D. P. Wiggins and Sons.
Either of them were equal to anything we have ever seen, and
flect much credit upon the skill of the workmen, by whom
they were made, and to whom the credit should be given,
more particularly than the proprietors of the shops. _

The Boots exhibited by G. W. Bowman, of Cambridge City,
were fitted, we believe the craft call it, in a style of work-
manship, that cannot be excelled in this or any other country,
so say those who know. An objection to them however, is,
that they are too beautiful for the understandings of any
Sovereign in Hoosierdom; and that is saying much.

An assortment of garden Vegetables were exhibited by
Dr. 8.8. Boyd, of Jacksonburgh, which were superior in
quality and variety to any other exhibited. Among the lot
was an excellent pumpkin of last year’s growth, and now
in good preservation.

The Sweet Potatoes, exhibited by Mr. Vestal, of Cambridge,

237

were very-fine. He is the most extensive cultivator of this
favorite esculent in this valley, and is the projector of a pa-
tented plan for preserving them through the winter. All
who wish a superior article are referred to him.

The only Fruit exhibited, was a fine selection of fall and
winter apples, by John Catey, of the vicinity of Williams-
burg. Having been honored with the appointment of one of
the judges on that article, we performed the duty with a good
relish, and much pleasure, with the only exception that we
had not a sufficient quantity to embrace the whole immense
crowd in our committee. A premium of course was awarded
Mr. Catey.

Quite a large number of Sheep were exhibited. The best,
‘was the fine wool buck of Hugh Maxwell, for which he paid
a few months since $100. Several other fine sheep were on
the ground, but we have not room to particularize. We
hope, however, to see this branch of the farming interest
increased, which with proper laws by the general government,
can be made of no secondary importance in this country.

The show of Horses was very respectable, but not so good
as itshould have been. An effort should be made to improve
the stock. Our town is one of the greatest horse markets
in the west, and a continual drain of good horses has made
them more scarce than formerly.

Carrie.—The number of cattle at the exhibition was very
large; and for quality, pure blood, beauty of form, &c., have
not been excelled at any similar exhibition in the west. The
premium for the best bull was awarded to “Oregon,” after
‘close examination, accurate measuring, and frequent com-
parisons. The competition was close, and we infer from the
length of time occupied by the judges in coming to a conclu-
sion as to the respective merits of “Oregon,” and “ Osceola,”
that they doubted, hesitated, and doubted again, as to which
one the superiority should be awarded.

The competition in Threshing Machines was carried on
‘with much interest and feeling. Messrs. Gaar & Co., of the

238

Spring Foundery, exhibited two machines—F. W. Robinson
two, Thomas A. Dugdale one, D. M. Cochran one, and J.
Ensley one. Most of them were very fine specimens of
workmanship, and in every particular were superior to the
machines in general use. They all exhibited the powers of
their threshers in a field adjoining the Fair grounds, and for
the result the reader is referred to the list of premiums pub-
lished in another column.

The exhibition of Plows and other agricultural implements
was very large; and in plows and plowing, great competition
was excited. In the manufacture of this article, our town
cannot be excelled. The first premium on a plow for gen-
eral purposes, was awarded, after a severe trial to Solomon
Horney, Jr.—on the best stubble plow to D.S. saidboi and
on the best sod plow to Beard & Sinex.

The premium for the best specimen of plowing was
awarded to Benoni Newby. He also received a Diploma at
the late Ohio State Fair, for his skill as a plowman.

REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE ON FARMS.

To the President and Directors of the
Wayne Co. Agricultaral Society :

The undersigned, your committee on Farms, have attended
to the duties assigned them; and make the following report:

It is our judgment, that Robert Murphey presents the best
cultivated farm among the competitors. His mode of culti-
vation combines good taste, with utility; and remunerates
well for his labor. His farm presents good evidence of in-
dustry, and well directed effort. His motto appears to be,
“A place for all things, and all things in their places.”” We
think him entitled to the first premium. There is hardly a
weed to be seen on Robert Murphey’s farm. His mode of

239

extermination, is to cut them twice a year, preventing them
from going to seed. His fruit trees are truly beautiful. He
informs us that he scrubs them well with soap suds, and the
bark is as smooth as the skin of a fat baby.

James C. Scott, is entitled to the second premium. His
farm is well cultivated, and in good order; and evinces skill,
good taste, and an inventive mind; and doubtless pays him
well for his effort. In fact his farm is a beautiful one—few
weeds to be seen. His practice is to cut them before the seed
matures. Many of the fields have the stumps all taken out.
Farmers should call on him and get a model of his stump-
puller, with which he can take out a stump as soon as a Den-
tist can a tooth.

_ Lewis Burk’s farm, near Milton, presents a pleasing pros-
pect, and is well worth a ride to look at; it is well arranged
for stock, and the fine blue grass pastures are unsurpassed in
the west. Nature and Art has done so much, that the situ-
ation seems enchanting; and we think him entitled to a
Diploma.

D. P. WIGGINS,

D. COMMONS, Committee.
JOSEPH LEWIS,

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GRAIN AND GRASSES.

The undersigned committee on Grain and Grasses, respect-
fully report that they have given the matters assigned to
them their attention; and award the first premium for the
best product of corn from one acre, to Aaron Drellinger, of
Franklin township, he having produced one hundred and
thirty-five bushels per acre.

We also award to Daniel Clark, of Boston township, the
second premium, he having raised one hundred and twenty-

240

five bushels per acre, and the field of near nine acres aver-
aging over 115 bushels per acre.

We also append the following reports, handed us by the
respective competitors, and especially commend to the atten-
tion of our agricultural friends the statements made by Dan-
iel Clark.

We deem it proper to state, in regard to the cost of raising
the corn by Daniel Clark, that the item of $18 75 for haul-
ing manure, &c., should not be charged up as an annual ex-
penditure, as at least a moiety of its value is still in the
ground. In regard to rent of $40, it is much higher than
common, because the field was adjoining the town, and con-
sequently commanded a high rent. The average price for
the same quantity and quality of ground in the county
would not have been more than from $16 to $18.

There was no person forwarded to usa statement of wheat,
barley, oats or flax, measured or accurately ascertained, what
the yield per acre was. Two of the committee visited and
requested several individuals to measure and give to the com-
mittee a statement of the yield per acre. John Clark’s
barley was good for fifty bushels per acre; and Daniel Sha-
fer’s, that or more; his flax was very good. So with
William Feasel’s flax and oats. No wheat exhibited at the
Fair, except two small lots, by one of the committee—no
one competing for the premium. On grass, two small sam-
ples of timothy seed, and one of perennial Ray grass seed.

On corn, there was six competitors: John Henley, James
Fryar, John Stuffee, Aaron Drellinger, James Harris and
Daniel Clark.

The following is a description of the manner,in which the
corn was cultivated, which I entered for the premium, at the
first exhibition of the Wayne County Fair: 1. plowed my
ground the first of April. The land is first bottom, and the

first crop. I plowed it about five inches deep; it was a Blue
grass sod. I planted the corn the last week in April. I
marked the ground one way three feet four inches apart, as
near as I could, and drilled the other way about two feet;
and averaged three stalks in a hill; cultivated it twice in a
tow; and plowed it at two different times, three furrows in
a row. Aaron Drewiinerr.

I, Benjamin W. Elliott, do certify, that I helped to meas-
ure one-fourth of an acre of corn—an average fourth of an
acre, and helped husk the same, and there was thirty-three
and three-fourths bushels, on one-fourth of an acre, which
would make one hundred and thirty-five bushels of corn per
acre, of the above named corn.

Bens. W. Exuiorr.
October 11, 1851.

ON GRAIN.

Lo the Committee of the Wayne
County Agricultural Society :

[herewith transmit to you the culture and proceeds of
eight acres and eighty-eight roods of ground, on the farm of
Charles W. Starr, adjoining Richmond, planted in corn the
past season, by me. The soil is mostly a yellow loam; had
been in corn the previous year; before that time it had been
in grass three years; it was measured when first plowed for
corn the crop before this.

On the 17th of April I commenced plowing with three
plows, three days; plowed eight inches deep.

Cost of plowing oho) Men ue Ki! ac ow ol ate BRE MEET ei s'e"G $18 00
19th. Rolled one day. Pe eeeeere ee 2 00
19th. Harrowed two Baggy. wild wie ah viepiiaes 4 00

242

29d and 23d. Furrowed it for planting: -+++++> 4 50
Five hands, planting vial ED oKe'BKOD dteflere aledeiists iste oe 5 00
One day rolling, after planting: ++++++++s+sss* 2 00
May 17th. Commenced cultivating with 3 hands, 4 50
One hand replanting and uncovering: ++-++++++* i 00
20th. Two hands half a day, cultivating: +++++- 1 50
Q7thioFoursplows one day+++++sserssesret es 6 00
One hand replanting and uncovering: +++++++-° 1 00
June 6th. Plows half a day+++++++errrsrrree 3 00
17th, ‘Three days: plowing + +++ ++ +++" ¢eereres 4 50
Three days harrowing the corn++++++++rr+err: 3 00
18th. One day plowing, three days harrowing: - 4 50
July 2d and 3d. Four days plowing: +++++++*+* 6 00
Two days thinning and suckering: +++++++*"*** 2 00
October 27th. Commenced gathering, finished on
the 7th of Nov.; husked on the stalk; hauled
one-half of it four miles—cost-++-+++rr+sse 25 00
Cost of FLEA GL (AO) ONE O, ON ELGG OO) CIDE Fe OREO OQ IEE 1 90
$98 70
About three acres of the field had hauled on it
forty-five loads of manure; cost of hauling and
spreading EIR ESE CUEBICUC RCS! CACO OM ORCICIO CANOES 18 75
Cost-oncthe ipart wfitemamt'!. sor -oi- Heiesine + $17 45

It will be seen that the tenant gathered all the corn in this
case.

The above described field of corn was planted four feet be-
tween the hills; from three to five stalks in the hill; the kind
of corn, large white Kentucky corn. We measured off one
acre by surveyor’s chains; gathered and measured one row
by shelling it. The result proved to be a fraction over one
hundred and twenty-five bushels to the acre. The corn was
sound and dry.

The part of the field where the acre was selected was ma-
nured last spring; it was the upper side of the field, and

243

required the manure more than the remaining part. We
found in gathering by the wagon load, but little difference in
the yield; so I would be very safe in saying the field aver-
aged 115 bushels per acre, which on the eight acres and
eighty-eight roods, would be 987 bushels of sound corn,

which at twenty-five cents per bushel, would be, $246 75
Cost of cultivation without the manure: $98 70
Hauling manure and spreading. +++.+.. 18 75
Rehit efi lade sh wants p00 ve wee awn ets 40 00
$157 45

The field is sown with rye ten bushels sowed on it for
pasture; two bushels of timothy seed sown at the same time
with the rye.
Danie Crarx.

James W. Fryar, plowed his ground about the first of
April; first bottom, hard grass sod; plowed with three horses
abreast, six inches deep; harrowed the ground twice; fur-
rowed three feet one way, and drilled the other way about
twenty inches apart; two and three stalks in a hill; planted
about the first of May. The corn was cultivated two differ-
ent times; plowed one time over. Seed corn consisted of
two or three different kinds, mixed together. The amount
raised on one acre, was one hundred and twenty-eight and
a-half bushels. James W. Fryar.

James Harris, of Green township, is entitled to the premi-
um of $5 for the best field of corn, containing five acres,
which averaged 119 bushels and 2 quarts.

John S teflee—a certificate signed by S. S. Boyd, that 103
bushels was the yield per acre.

DANIEL L. DOWNING, Chairman.

244

SPEECH OF GOV. JOSEPH A. WRIGHT,

Delivered before the Wayne County Agricultural Fair, held at Richmond on Tues-
day, Wednesday and Thursday, October 7th, 8th, and 9th, 1851.

eee

Mr. PrestpENT, AND GENTLEMEN OF THE
Wayne County AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY :

The pursuits of my life have been as much varied as most men, yet in ac-
cepting your kind invitation to address you, I did not suppose that it was
possible for me to enlighten the practical farmers and mechanics of the county
of Wayne. Yet when I consider the efforts now making to excite our fellow
citizens on the subject of labor, to arouse the laboring men of the State, the
apirit of emulation that is being kindled everywhere, I could not do other-
wise than by my presence contribute my mite to urge forward this movement.

My only regret is, that my time has been so occupied that I feel almost en-
tirely unprepared to address so large and intelligent a portion of our fellow
citizens. What is wanting in me, you have well remedied in the exhibition
that surrounds us, of the labor, skill and production of the country.

What is national prosperity? A nation may have within its borders an
abundance of the precious metals ; it may have a world-wide commerce ; it
may have at its command a powerful army, and a navy second to none on the
seas; within its territories arts, science, mechanics, agriculture and manufac-
tures may be all carried to high degrees in the scale of perfection; its lakes
rivers, canals, railroads and all its public highways may be thronged with
busy men of enterprise, and the various productions of genius, skill and
labor. But these evidences of national prosperity are not enough. Great
Britain presents them all in a strong light before the world; and yet millions
who compose the main body of the nation are laboring in her mines, her fac-
tories, her workshops and her fields; and the greater part of these millions
are suffering under the evils of ignorance, servility, petty tyranny and unre-
quited toil; and in that condition, generation after generations of men strug-
gle through a cheerless life of homeless and hopeless poverty. Hundreds of
men thus live, labor and die in order that one unproducing Dives may be
‘clothed in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day.” There
may be prosperity among classes in monarchies and even despotisms; but true
national prosperity, in its most enlarged sense, cannot exist under such forms
of government.

The people of the United States have within their reach all the means
necessary to enable them to establish for themselves the highest state of na-
tional prosperity. A spirit of freedom, equality, independence and self-reli-
ance, is the inheritance of every citizen. The laws make.no privileged class-
eg. The roads to usefulness, to wealth and to honorable distinction are open

245

to all. Aided by the indispensable qualities of virtue, industry and know-
ledge, the farmer boy or the apprentice boy of to-day, may in a few years be
the President of a republic stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and
holding the first rank among the nations of the earth.

National prosperity is the aggregate of individual happiness, caused by the
distribution of the blessings of government under equal laws, by which each
man receives the due reward of his own labor.

The true basis of all national prosperity will be found in an universal sys-
tem of practical learning, by which the youth of the land shall be taught to
understand and perform their political, civil and religious duties, as members
of this coufederacy. Among the youth of a nation he is not only the orphan
who is left without father or mother; that youth, whose government neglects
to provide means for his advancement in knowledge, is surely in the most
desolate state of orphanage.

There is no one thing, after religion, virtue and knowledge, that contributes
so much to the permanent prosperity of a nation as that which I call the in-
ventive talent. It is this that has contributed much to the wealth, commercial
importance and prosperity of England; and it is the same principle, operating
in a field more free, -that is now doing so much in our own republic.

We are behind no people on the face of the globe in mechanical genius and
skill, and this is mainly to be attributed to our free institutions. With us, if
a mechanic has a hundred hands at work in one shop, each man does not re-
gard himself as a mere copying machine, compelled to follow without ques-
tion the precise directions given to him by the master mechanic; but he thinks
while at work, and he takes the liberty of making suggestions as to the pro-
priety or expediency of changing this wheel or that cog. He does not feel
himself to be a mere servant to do the bidding of his master; but he thinks,
plans, reasons and suggests. Thus the powers of many minds are brought
to bear on the investigation of every proposed improvement in mechanics or
agriculture.

In this consists the secret of our success. You may go among the hundreds
of mechanics who work in your machine shops, plough factories, &c., of
Richmond, and you cannot distinguish the foreman or boss from the other
laborers.

The success-that attended the exhibition of American skill and labor at
the great World’s Fair ut London, is well calculated to make an American
proud of his conntry.

A friend of mine, in reading of those exhibitions and trials, made the fol-
lowing suggestion: He remarked that he was in favor of changing our favor-
ite national song, “‘ Yankee doodle doo.” The inquiry was made for the reason,
His reply was, that we had beat John Bull in steaming and sailing—so much
80, that the Collins line were now engaged in towing over the Cunard line;
that we had defeated John Bull from Colt’s Revolver to that great labor-saving
machine of the day, MeCormick’s Reaper; that therefore we should no longer
sing—* Yankee doodle doo,” but “‘ Yankee doodle did ! Yankee doodle did !”

It is very remarkable, that up to the present time, to a great extent, the

246

American farmer and mechanic have neglected to form associations. There
is no class of men more interested in associations for mutual benefit. All
other classes have their associations—religious, moral, mercantile, dc.

The mechanics have the advantage of the farmer in this, that they live in
towns and cities—can exchange views and opinions freely together; farmers,
separated in the cultivation of the soil, raising stock, &c., should have these
exhibitions and associations, that they may meet and consult together with
the mechanics for the common good, the effect of which is, that you stimulate
industry, bring together the most distinguished mechanics of the State, who
bring with them not only the work of their brain and hands, but they come
together.to inquire into the wants of the country, that they may return to
their workshops to perfect the inventions that have been suggested by these
means. The farmer thus makes himself well acquainted with what is new
and useful, as well as witnessing for himself the productions of other portions
of the country.

The advantages are so numerous that result to the agricultural and mechan-
ical interest of the country, by bringing together periodically, at some point,
the rarest and most valuable specimens of science and art, and especially the
encouragement that is imparted to useful inventors of labor-saving implements
of husbandry, &e., by endorsing the value of the implement, awarding pre-
miums in money, diplomas, or medals, for such as may be of a highly meri-
torious character, that I cannot on this occasion more than merely name them.

In the first place you bring together men of different views and feelings
on religion, politics and social progress. They are made to act together—
the kindest feelings are thus produced in the great zeal and energy displayed
to advance the interest and welfare of the State.

The grounds within this enclosure are dedicated to advance the arts, scien-
ces, and the industrial progress of Indiana. You may walk around and min-
gle with this immense crowd of our fellow citizens, and you will not hear a
word on the subject of politics or religion; but the great struggle is making,
by each man, to outdo his neighbor in some branch of industry.

During the last month I have attended the State Fairs of New York and
Ohio; at the two exhibitions more than a hundred thousand people were in
attendance—an army greater than that with which Julius Cesar conquered
Gaul; but it was an army without bloody banners—a volunteer army, gather-
ed together to celebrate the triumphs of peace. Their spoils were the richest
treasures of nature, their trophies the mightiest mechanism of art, their tri-
umphal chariots the steam cars that outstrip the wind, and their heralds the
lightnings of Jove!

People of all classes, politicians of all parties, attended those exhibitions,
almost without number; so intent were they upon the great purposes that
brought them together, that I did not hear a single allusion to party politics.

The excitement attending these exhibitions of the skill and labor of the
farmers and mechanics, is not the excitement that is to be found upon the race
course, and on the election ground.

It is a matter of congratulation that all over the land, the farmers, mechan-

247

ics and laborers, are waking up to so deep a sense of their claims upon public
consideration; that they are cultivating so generally, not only the sentiments
but the habits of temperance and sobriety; that they are showing on every
hand, a strong determination to eschew, upon all proper occasions, the embit-
tered strife of parties. The excitement of the present day, thank a kind
Providence, is to see who can make two blades of grass grow where there
was but one before. fe

One of the greatest blessings that is to follow from these exhibitions of la-
bor and skill, is that of an entire change in the character of the education of
the youth.

The time has been when the young men of the country were sent to the
academy to take their places in the preparatory course, then to college, year
after year spent in learning a little Latin or Greek, too frequently less common
sense, until they become ready to graduate. With a rich colored diploma, he
walks forth from the college, upon the very soil from which labor is to wring
the bread that must support and keep him from starving, and yet in too many
cases, wholly ignorant of the character of the soil, and of the very trees of
the forest; so much so as not to be able to tell a maple from a beech tree.

This is not a mere sketch of fancy. I was credibly informed, that a few
years ago, a graduate settled in one of our western towns, following one of
the learned professions. Returning home he lost a shoe from his horse. He
gathered up the handle of a skillet that had been broken off, to take to the
blacksmith to make a new shoe. :

You perceive the term learned professions has been used—one common
with public speakers: It is to be found in the very forms prescribed by the
General Government for taking the census.

By the census of 1850, there are about sixty-five thousand of the learned
professions, out of a population of twenty-three millions. It is a term of re-
proach, and will remain so, until it is extended to include the farmer and
mechanic.

The farmer, of all men, should be included in the term learned profession.
He is the great physician of nature. If however, he is ignorant of the laws of
nature, of the proper treatment to effect a cure when disease affects his patient:
he is, of all men on earth, the greatest quack. There is this difference, how-
ever, between the quack farmer and quack physician: the farmer’s patient
has so good a constitution that it ts difficult to kill him off. If his constitu-
tion was not good, in many cases in Indiana, the patient would long since
have been dead and buried, and briers, thorns, and thistles, taken his place.

A case in peint came under my own observation, which has numerous du-
plicates throughout the country. In passing by a neighbor’s farm on the Wa-
bash some years since, I found him laying the foundation upon which to
build his stable and barn. It was situated on a high ridge, near the side im-
mediately above a spring. When interrogated as to his object in thus build-
ing, his reply was, that the manure would wash away from his stable. The same
day his son was hauling away the straw frem where his wheat had been

248

threshed, to the head of a hollow, to use his own language, that when the
water rose, it would wash the straw away.

This man never once thought that his rich land would wear out, or that he
should have any use for manure. My remark to him was, if he lived in
Yankee land, upon the poor hills of New Hampshire or Vermont, he would
find at the next term of the Probate Court after his conduct was known, the
town authorities had appointed a guardian to take charge of his interest.
But the tide is turned, the age of practical education is dawning upon the
country. We shall soon have taught, from the common schools to the highest
institutions of the land, a practical knowledge of agriculture, mechanics,
arts, chemistry, botany, geology, and all those sciences that are so intimately
connected with the improvement of the soil, the animal and vegetable king-
doms.

We must teach our children to know the character of the soil, and its adap-
tation to the production of each article raised for man or beast—teach them
to know the proper place for cach article on the farm—how to build a com-
fortable house, with all the conveniences of life, as well as to teach him how
to enjoy himself when he is thus situated. Teach him something of the
beauty of nature, as it is exhibited, and the wonderful process that is going
on every moment around him, and above all teach him the obligations that he
owes to his creator, his fellow men, and: to himself.

The greatest good that is to follow these exhibitions of the skill and labor
of the country, will be that of making labor more attractive; we shall thus
be able to change this thirst for professional life, that seizes so many of our
young men—this aversion to manual labor. It has been justly said, that the
two great leading objects of human pursuit, are agriculture and mechanism.
In those are comprehended the wealth of the whole country. Each cultivator
of the soil must be made thoroughly acquainted with the character and capa-
bilities of his fields, and all classes familiar with the natural wealth with
which the country is blessed.

We have too long regarded the representative alone, as the wise man, who
devises the best system of finance to carry forward great enterprises, by bor+
rowing millions. Suppose we change these stimulants of legislation, from
that of capital to that of labor, and regard him as the wise man who devises
a system that will make labor more attractive.

Let us say by our conduct, that he who will present, at your county and
State Agricultural Fairs, the best model farm in Indiana, is as much entitled
to office as the commander of a regiment in battle. He who will ascertain
the cause of the potato rot, and provide the remedy, is as much entitled to
the respect of his fellow men, as he who manages the finances of a bank suc-
cessfully—that he, at least, does as much for his race and country.

The country will not be retrograding, when the highest office shall be given
to the mechanic and manufacturer who shall make the best model mechanism,
or the finest piece of cloth. Let the plough, the loom and the anvil, have their
associations, conventions, shows and fairs. When they meet, you will have
essays, discussions and experiments. In this way you will not only make

249

labor more attractive, learn the progress we are making in every department
and pursuit in life, but will hasten the day when Indiana will not be distin-
guished for the goodness or security of her stocks, for she will have none in
market, and will stand where she is justly entitled to, out of debt, and plenty
to spare—the very first State in the Union in all that makes a people happy:
Light taxes, no debts, an economical government, a prosperous, agricultural, manu-
facturing and mechanical State.

It is said that the press of the country is a good index to the people. If
this be true, agriculture is in poor keeping, and at alowebb. You will rarely
pick up a paper in which will be found an article on agriculture or mechanics.
If there is one occasionally from the Plow, Loom, and the Anvil, or other
agricultural work, it is placed on the fourth page, in some obscure corner
never designed to be read; while the leading editorial articles are filled with
the prospects of this or that man for office, some circus puff, or the peculiar
good qualities of some coffee house, or ice cream establishment.

Is it not strange, that the conductors of the press should for a moment sup-
pose that it is more important for their readers to be advised of the prospects
of this or that man for Governor or Congress, than to inform them of the im-
provements of the day in labor-saving machinery—the propriety of changing
crops—the success of the flax movement, &c. &c. The fault is not with the
editors alone. The people, the mass of our people are not sufficiently alive
to their true interest; the proper spirit is not abroad in the land. Hold your
county and State fairs—adopt a regular system of bringing together the labor
and skill of the country—let the proper spirit of emulation be aroused among
our people. Editors, like politicians, will soon partake of it; and you will
soon see the leading editorials of every press in the land, giving their readers
the full particulars of the premium farm in such a county or State, the im-
provements in some branch of industry or husbandry; and in some out of the
way place a paragraph stating the probability that James Figgins, or lawyer
Turney is talked about ss a candidate for Representative. The effect of
which will be, that the day of the election will pass by quietly, without ex-
citement. The public mind will be alive to the day of the county or State
fair, and every boy in the country will remember with interest the apnual
returns of these noble, stimulating festivals.

WET LANDS.

We have a vast body of wet, marshy lands in Indiana; the quantity is esti-
mated by some to amount to at least three millions of acres. The subject of
draining and ditching these lands is of great interest.

Those of us who have resided in the State for a third of a century, know
how the early emigrants to the State avoided the wet, swampy and low lands,
and settled upon the higher and drier portions of the country. Time, how-
ever, has demonstrated that this was a great error. The rich, valuable and
durable lands are those that for years remained unsold, and were supposed to
be wholly unfit for cultivation, on account of their wetness. I know a farm

250

of 169 acres that was sold five years ago for $500, that by the expenditure of
less than $200 in draining and ditching, the present owner refuses now $3000.

In England, Scotland, and portions of our own country, various plans have
been adopted in draining and ditching. They have, by recent improvements,
diminished the expense, yet the depth of the ditch, and the character of their
covering is such, that the expense is too much for our people. The cheapest
plan with them is from $12 to $18 per acre. A very large proportion of our
wet lands can be thoroughly drained by ditches say two feet in width by two
in depth; a covering of oak timber taken from that part of the tree that is not
suitable for rails, cut about 32 inches in length, placed inside at the bottom
of the ditch, then extending about half way up the opposite side—the earth
returned; the whole not costing more than 25 cents per rod. Or you may
split your timber in greater lengths, place the same lengthwise, cover your
ditch, and in either way they will last 15 or 20 years. By placing these ditch-
es at suitable distances, all tending to a point where the water will flow off,
you more than treble the value of your land.

The advantages of under-draining are numerous. They take away all the
surplus water which exists in heavy soils. The ground is prepared early in
the spring for the crop, furnishing a dry, warm soil, which, without the drain-
ing, could not be cultivated except in an advanced stage of the season. The
soil is also more porous, therefore much more easily tilled.

It is known that rain water is charged with some of the most important
elements of nutrition for plants, especially proportions of carbonic acid and
ammonia. These should circulate through the soil. Air also holds vegetable
food; soils which are full of water do not admit of any air.

The dense mass of wet saturated soil is impervious to air, remains cold and
clammy.

By draining and ditching below the soil the warm invigorating rains pene-
trate the entire mass, and there diffuse the genial temperature through the
roots. The warm air rushes in and supplies its portion of augmented heat
to the land. Thus porous soils readily imbibe heat, and just as readily part
with it.

These are some of the reasons assigned for under-draining. Those who
have tried the experiment know the great advantages that result from it.

I have a neighbor who informed me that in 1850, a very dry season, he had
ditched a field that he had previously put in corn; in the low and wet parts
of the field he usually gathered in the fall a few nubbins, but went to the
high ground for his crop. In the fall of last year he obtained his good corn
from the low land, his poor from the high; the extra crop of the year paid for
the whole expense of ditehing and draining.

SPRING DRAINING.

We have in various parts of the country springs that are discovered, not
by a free discharge of water, but they are found in large extensive plains of
wet, marshy, boggy lands. In this condition their greatest paactical use is

251

to mire stock. Near them is sometimes gathered a small quantity of inferior
bog-hay; while in the neighborhood is too frequently seen the pale face and
countenance, demonstrating that disease and death have found the proper lo-
cality to do their work.

These springs should be immediately traced to their source, the very highest
point where the ground is moistened, and led off by a drain to the nearest
ravine, of sufficient depth and width to prevent the escape of the water into
the adjacent soil, unless it should be needed for irrigation, which is seldom
required with us.

NEW ROAD.

I should like to see the experiment tried, of making a perfect earth road,
without metal or plank. Dig your ditches, say seventeen feet apart, cover
them over, throw up the ground in the centre, let the water from the ditches
be taken to the lowest point. In place of making a culvert and bridge, use
the rock for making a solid bed for the water to run over, across the road,
called a valley, that droves of cattle and the stock of the country may use,
and your wagons and carriages may be cleaned thereby.

I have great confidence, that in a large proportion of our country, roads
may be made, for less than one haif what our plank roads cost, more durable,
and far preferable.

WOOL.

We are greatly deficient in sheep in Indiana. According to the census of
1850, we have but about a million in the State. Great Britain has more than
forty-five millions, which average 33 tbs. of wool to each sheep.

If you were offered to-day a proposition for a permanent investment, which
you were satisfied would realize forty per cent. upon every dollar invested,
the whole community would invest their money in the enterprise. :

It is susceptible of the clearest demonstration, that every dollar invested
in sheep, would yield more than forty per cent. annually. No article (the
cow excepted) will come so near to paying annually for their cost, as the
sheep.

The annual fleece, at present prices, will pay first cost; their increase will
pay the cost of keeping them.

We have every variety of soil—the hilly land, the broken land, the prairie,
the level plain. A very large portion of our State is admirably adapted to
the raising of sheep, which is not used for any other purpose. All that the
farmer has to do is to clear up his farm, leave the live timber standing, and,
whether level or broken, fence it in, sow it down in grass and turn in his
sheep.

The annual deficiency of wool in this country is estimated at seventy mil-
lions of pounds; when to this we add the increased demand for the article,
will annually require the wool of at least three millions of sheep—there is
no fear of over-supply.

252

It is strange that our people cannot supply the demand for wool among us.
In England, the annual rent of ground per acre is almost equal to the cost of
the average improved land with us, yet the rent is paid, the wool raised,
shipped and sold abroad.

You have upon this ground, exhibited to-day, a French sheep that the
owner (of Clinton county, Ohio,) assures me turned off last spring twenty
Ibs. of wool—that he sold for 3714 cents per tb., making $7.50. A wool
buyer informed me, that in Warren county in this State, he purchased a fleece
that weighed eighteen pounds. We can, in my opinion, raise wool in this
State, as cheap as in any part of the western States. My advice to farmers,
would be to engage in raising sheep.

FLAX SEED OIL.

We are neglecting, too much, the cultivation of the flax. The amount of
flax seed oil imported into the United States, for the year previous to the 30th
of June, 1850, was 1,573,177 gallons—equal to 698,000 bushels of flax seed,
which is at its present eastern price $1,548,000, a sum equal to one-fourth of
all the flour exported from the United States during the same period. The
crop therefore must be increased more than a million of bushels before the
home demand can be supplied.

In some parts of the country, flax is raised and cut for the seed alone, the
ground the same season put in wheat.

You may take the present price of flax seed, make an estimate of the cost
of preparing it for market, and no article can be raised that is more profitable.

In conversing with one of our best farmers on the subject, he informed me
that an acre of flax will yield twelve bushels; the cost of raising, preparing,
and taking to market, he estimates at about $8—the price at $1.25 per bushel,
will make $15—leaving a profit of $7 per acre.

But in this calculation, no account is taken of the flax. I have now before
me a specimen of the flax cotton, samples of cloth made of all flax, likewise
part wool and flax, and part cotton and flax. I do not consider myself com-
petent to decide whether this movement in the flax cotton will succeed; but
if the Yankee fails in this movement, to make it successful, it will be the
first.

In conversing with a gentleman on the subject of the cheese trade in Indi-
ana, I was astonished to learn that we purchased annually about eighty thou-
sand dollars worth of what is called Western Reserve cheese. The amount
purchased in two years would build a McAdamized or plank road across your
State. A very large proportion of this cheese is an inferior article that would
not be brought to the table where it is made. No country is better adapted
to the dairy than Indiana, with the variety of hill, dale, and valley, springs,
wells, running brooks, branches and streams, of all sizas. It is a wonder
that our people do not turn their attention more to this subject.

253

LAND-HOLDERS, GOVERNMENT LANDS, FAIRS, &c.

The tillers of the soil, while they are making efforts to advance the agricul-
tural interest to its highest state of perfection and usefulness, ought to remem-
ber that much will be required of those to whom-much is given. Let us not
forget that in the United States, with our vast extent of territory, our variety
of soils and climates, and our popular republican form of government, we
possess, to aid us in our progress, advantages for improvement far above all
other nations of the world. In some foreign countries a miserable kind of
agriculture has been carried on for ages, by people living in ignorance and
indigence, on lands to which they never had any settled right of possession:
and under the most free and enlightened governments, the great mass of prac-
tical farmers are tenants at will, or on short leases, bound by covenants with
their landlords to pursue a certain mode of cultivation.

It is our true policy to have settled the vast domains of wild land. The
great law writer of the past century expressed a noble sentiment when he ex-
claimed—‘“That a freehold was the possession of the soil by a freeman.”

The sooner our lands are reduced to possession and cultivated by actual
settlers, the sooner you make citizens interested in all the institutions that
surround them. Why not open the entire vacant lands of the Union to actu-
al settlers? and whenever proof is made that the settler has made improye-
ments to the value of the land at its present price, that the government shall
be bound to make him a patent therefor, without money and without price.
In this way you do not obtain money from the settler to fill the coffers of the
nation, but you do what is preferable, you hold out inducements for the labor-
ing man to obtain a home for himself and family. You add to the true wealth
of the country a far greater amount of all that is valuable and permanent, in
making a prosperous and happy people.

With us, with few exceptions, the agriculturist, protected by equal laws,
holds his land in his own right, and cultivates it according to the dictates.of
his own judgment. He is one of the most numerous class of citizens whose
prosperity is inseparably connected with the prosperity of the country. They
are the life-blood of the nation; and when acting in a healthy condition, they
promote the strength and virtue of the government, and impart life, energy
and prosperity to manufactures, mechanics, commerce, arts, science, and eve-
ry other valuable interest of the body politic. Their prosperity lies at the
foundation of every species of industry.

When we, as a people, shall exhibit a well ordered system of agriculture,
with county, State, and National Fairs, bringing together different portions
of the laboring men of the country—I say when we shall do this, we will
learn that in this consists the strongest bond to regulate society, the sure basis
of peace, the best guaranty against sectional strife and divisions, the national
associations of good morals, peace and harmony in each neighborhood and
section of the confederacy.

There will be exerted by these county, State and National Fairs,.a most

254

healthy and conservative spirit. They should be voluntary associations, not
connected with any department of government. You will bring together
upon the same platform, the citizens of the several States. There were at the
great Empire State Fair at Rochester, New York, citizens from all the States
except three. The South Carolinian and the Vermonter were there; the Geor-
gian and the Ohioan. It was a very interesting sight to witness the southern
man examining the machine of the Vermonter for splitting shoe pegs, and in
turn the Vermonter giving his decided opinion upon the propriety of an im-
provement upon the machine for hulling cotton seed.

By bringing together, in this way, the people of the north and south, we
shall soon be able to forget those anti-American phrases, Northern and South-
ern rights, and will call them by that purer and higher term, American rights.

We have had excitements in this country, from time to time, on various
subjects. The present excitement upon the subject of labor that is now be-
ginning to agitate the country, cannot possibly do any harm, but much good.
It is to be most ardently desired, that it will take the place of that sectional
excitement, which has been felt, more or less, all over the land.

The people of the nation want peace, and they are determinad to have it.
No man will be sustained that favors agitation. Throughout our own happy
State there is but one sentiment among the mass of the people; that is to
faithfully abide by the bond of our Union, the Constitution; abide by the
compromises, and to write upon the very lintels of our doors the sentiment:
That the first act of public disobedience to law is the first fatal step taken in
the downward road to Anarchy! These are the sentiments of the mass of
the people west, yet there are men in the south and in the north, who go to
bed simmering, rise up in the morning boiling with rage and long yarns about
southern and northern rights—southern and northern injustice, and who al-
most name their children southern and northern. My opinion is that if these
men would devote a portion of their time and attention to the development
of northern and southern resources, to the elevation of the labor of their re-
spective countries, they would soon have southern and northern rights that
would maintain themselves.

There is a State of this Union, almost the mother of States, one of the glo-
rious thirteen, not three hundred miles from our own happy State, if the peo-
ple of which, half a century or more ago, had turned their attention more to
the improvement of her soil, to the diversifying her labor, to the proper meth-
od of preserving her fields—dealt less in abstract theories, she would not
have, at this time, so much waste and unproductive land. She is, however,
now turning her attention in the proper direction —to the true source of
wealth—the development of her resources. In various parts of the old do-
minion is seen the Yankee with his clover fields, his patent rights; following
this the agricultural fairs, exciting the proper spirit of emulation among her
people. The husband works, the children and the wife labor; and soon wil)
be changed the face of the country.

As rich as we suppose our soil to be, productive as it is, we should remem-
ber that our true policy is to adopt the system that will preserve it. If we neg-

255

lect the lights of the present day, if we shall refuse to be governed by the
present improvements, and shall continue to push our rich soil without sys-
tem, we shall likewise soon have barren and waste fields.

Gentlemen of the Wayne County Agricultural Society, an apology is due,
for the very desultory manner in which I have addressed you. Being my first
visit to this part of the State, my object was to see and examine for myself,
the labor, industry and skill of your people. Your exhibition to-day, in ma-
ny things, is equal to some of the State Fairs. Who could have expected
such an array of mechanical skill and labor, from mechanics that haul their
coal, coke, iron, and steel, sixty miles by land carriage; yet you are success-
fully competing with your sister cities and States, who are more favorably
situated. Your success shows what skill, industry, and energy will do among
our people. The articles of grain, stock, carriages, wagons, threshing ma-
chines and other farming implements, are equal to anything that can be ex-
hibited in this valley. You, yourselves, had no idea of what was in your
county until you witnessed this extensive collection now before us.

You are demonstrating the doctrine laid down by Mr. Jefferson—the great
benefits of placing the manufacturer and consumer side by side. This is the
true doctrine. To accomplish this in Indiana we want two things, capital and
labor. These we shall have, whenever the great elements of our wealth are
known abroad. We want—rmust have, a full, perfect, and practical geographi-
cal and topographical survey of the State, that the elements of our wealth
shall be known and read by all men, our coal, iron, salt, timber, soil, marble,
stone-quarries, water power, &c.

To this we should add a bureau of statistics, that the present condition of
our growing State, and its advancement from year to year, should be officially
known and published, in all things.

There is less known abroad, this day, of Indiana, in her great elements of
wealth, than any other State in the Union of her age and position.

Ihave no doubt that the surplus of Indiana this year, in the leading arti-
eles of pork, wheat, corn, cattle, and grass, is not less than $25,000,000.

I trust the time will soon come, when the labor of the State, in agriculture,
manufactures, mechanics, her full history in detail, debts created or paid, the
number of children attending school and not in attendance, a full practical
annual statistical report of the whole State will be made a permanent part of
our domestic policy.

256

At the regular annual meeting of the Wayne County Ag-
ricultural Society, held at Centreville, on Saturday, Novem-
ber Ist, 1851; President in the Chair. The Secretary made
the following report of the final operations of the past year:
Whole amount of receipts from all sources-.... $953 35
Amount of premiums awarded::---.- $282 00
Paid for rent of ground and enclosing- 128 13
Paid for police, gate-keeper, and clerk- 52 25
Paid for printing large bills--.-++++-- 21 50
Paid Holloway & Davis for printing: - 15 00
Sundry expenses, including digging

well, labor and hauling. ++++++++++- 67 32
Paid for lumber, now on hand--+++++-- 28 84
595 31
’ Balance in TTEASUTY+ ser rere eres cece eeeeens $358 04

The report was ordered to be accepted, and placed on file.

On motion of Lewis Burk, Esq., the Secretary was ordered
to sell the lumber belonging to the society.

A committee consisting of one from each township, was
then appointed to report suitable names for officers of the
Society the ensuing year. The committee made the follow-
ing report which was unanimously accepted:

D. P. Hottoway, President.
Norris Jonzs,

Col. J. P. Douanry, Vice Presidents.

Josuua Exaason, Treasurer.

Tuomas G. Nose, cts eet
W. T. Dennis, :

Board of Managers.

Elias Ogan, of Franklin township.
Nicholas Smith, of Abington township.
Levi Druly, of Boston township.
David Commons, of Centre township.

257

Joseph Davis, of Clay township.

Charles Burrows, of Dalton township.
Horton Furguson, of Washington township.
Samuel Boyd, of Harrison township.
Joseph Harris, of Green township.

John Whippo, of Jackson township.
Andrus Wiggins, of Jefferson township.
John Meredith, of New Garden township.
John Osborn, of Perry township.

Daniel Downing, of Wayne township.

On motion of D. P. Holloway, it was

Resolved, That the General Assembly of the State of In-
diaana, are hereby earnestly requested to pass a law to pro-
hibit the running at large of male scrub stock, of every de-
scription, under a penalty to be sued for, and paid into the
common school fund.

Resolved, That the General Assembly be earnestly re-
quested to pass a law, imposing a tax of fifty cents, annually,
on each and every dog owned, or harbored; and also to
make the owner of any dog found worrying or killing sheep,
liable for all damage occasioned thereby.

The second annual Fair will be held at Centreville, at such
time in the fall of 1852, as may be ordered by the Board of
Managers.

DANIEL CLARK, President.

W. T. Dennis, Secretary.

{t may not be uninteresting to those who are engaged in
the organization of county societies, and making the prelim-
inary arrangements for holding fairs, to know how the fair
in this county was conducted. At the organization of the
society, but thirty dollars were paid in by persons becoming

members. But little effort was subsequently made to obtain
17

258

members, and the Executive Committee determined for the
purpose of raising the necessary funds to pay the premiums,
and defray the expenses incident to holding the fair, to en-
close the fair grounds with a close fence, and charge a fee for
the admission of persons within the enclosure. The admit-
tance fee was fixed at 15 cents for a single individual—25
cents for a man and his family, (including all children under
18 years of age,) for one day. One dollar for the three days,
admitting the family (with the above restrictions,) and which
also permitted the person to enter whatever he deemed
proper for exhibition and competition. About three hundred
tickets were sold for one dollar, constituting such person a
member. Their names were recorded, and are regarded as
members of the society; but at the next fair will not be en-
titled to the rights of members unless they purchase a ticket.
Until that time however, they are entitled to vote in all
meetings of the society.

Two acres of ground was enclosed, with a board fence,
seven feet high; in the construction of which, two pieces
of studding, nine feet long, were inserted in the ground,
leaving a space between them equal to the thickness of the
boards used. These double posts were set at a distance from
each other, half the length of the boards, and were fastened
at the top by being wrapped with wire to prevent their sepa-
rating. The boards were placed edgewise on the top of each
other, breaking the joints alternately at each double post.
The boards of course were precisely the same length, when
used together. No nails were used whatever, and the boards
was in nowise injured by the use made of them. We paid
eighty dollars to the keeper of a lumber yard to put up the
fence, for the use of his lumber, and the taking of the same
away, leaving the ground precisely as he found it. Lumber
for such an enclosure might be purchased, and used in this
way and sold again for but a small discount on its original
cost. Sheds were also erected for the exhibition of smaller
articles—pews and stalls for small stock, and racks for horses

259

and cattle. We received twenty-five dollars for the privilege
of selling refreshments within the enclosure, which defrayed
the actual cash expenses of erecting the sheds.

A large well was dug within the enclosure to obtain water
for stock, and other purposes, and which also enabled several
pump makers to exhibit specimens of their work.

On the second and principal day of the fair, more than
five hundred dollars was received at the ticket office.

We respectfully commend this manner of enclosing fair
grounds to the attention of our friends who contemplate
holding fairs hereafter. It excites a prominent and very gen-
eral feature of the human character—curiosity, a desire to
see what is hidden by the fence, and many will contribute
from this feeling, who would not contribute in any other
way. The grounds are also more particularly under the po-
lice arrangements for maintaining good order, and the prop-
erty left on the ground during the night, with many other
advantages that will present themselves to all desirous of
preserving good order.

In compliance with the request of the State Board made
through a Circular received, I beg leave to submit the follow-
ing, imperfect replies to the questions propounded therein :

Wnueat.—The agriculturists of this county generally pre-
fer the White-chaff bearded wheat. It is considered more
free from rust; ripens earlier, and has a firmer straw. | {
stands the winter as well as any other, and is held in high
estimation by the millers. There is another kind cultivated
to some extent, called the Wabash white smooth chaff. It is
a week later in ripening, and therefore more subject to be
injured by the rust; but is less injured by the fly, which is
said to be owing to the peculiar formation of the blade—that
part which connects with the stem. This wheat produces

260

as white flour, and has a thinner skin than the White
bearded—gives a better yield, and commands a few cents
more than ordinary prices for other varieties. There is be-
sides another kind of wheat recently introduced into this
county, called the Blue Stem, which so far speaks well for
extensive culture. It has eight rows of full grain, producing
from fifty to sixty grains on a stalk, and is said to ripen as
early as the White-chaff bearded. Its qualities not being
fully tested, we omit further notice for the present.

One of the many modes of preparing the ground for seed-
ing with wheat, is to break up the fallow or stubble early
after harvest, and harrow lengthwise with the furrows—then
haul barn-yard manure aud spread even over the surface;
plow a second time about two-thirds the depth as before, ta-
king wide furrows so as to leave the ground in niches formed
by the plow some three inches deep ; sow the seed and harrow
length-wise the furrows. This method covers the grain deep
and somewhat similar to drilled wheat. It comes up and
grows more vigorously, and stands the winter better than
when sown upon an evenly harrowed surface, which is apt
to leave one-fourth of the grains to perish for the want of
depth of covering. The only preparation given to seed is
cleansing it of cheat, &c. The general time of seeding is
from the 10th to the last of September. The Wabash as
early as tho 10th. The quantity of seed used per acre is
about one and a-half bushels. The average yield for a series
of five years, in this county, is about fifteen bushels per acre.
The time of harvesting, is from the 26th day of June to the
6th of July. The wheat when cradled or reaped, (which has
heretofore been generally practised) is put up in shocks. The
shocks are permitted to remain in the field for ten days or
two weeks, if designed to be placed in the barn or stack. If
threshed in the field, then it remains often three or four
weeks, awaiting the convenience of the thresher. Seven-
eighths of all the wheat grown is bought up and floured in
the county. Fifty cents per bushel may be set down as the

261

average price for wheat during the present year. We know
of no remedy for the Hessian fly or for the weevil. Neither
of them have been prevalent in this county.

It is estimated that the surplus crop of wheat of the county,
this year, is 128,000 bushels, which surplus at fifty cents per
bushel amounts to $64,000. Supposing there are 7,000 fami-
lies in the county, and that each family consumes thirty
bushels, making 210,000; 25,000 acres sown with wheat,
one and a-half bushels per acre, making 37,000 bushels used
for seed. These several sums added make the entire wheat
crop of the county this year, 375,000 bushels.

Corn.—There are several kinds of corn grown that yield
and ripen well, which have no particular names. There is
however, in quite general cultivation, a large yellow, with
sixteen rows of grains, which turns off more bushels to the acre
than any with which] amconversant. Of this kind there has
been grown on one acre, one hundred and twenty-five bush-
els, and the field of eight acres averaging one hundred and
fifteen bushels per acre. Again we have the White Ken-
tucky corn, which i is said is still more prolific, than that
above referred to. The best farmers prepare their ground
for corn, by plowing deep, early in the spring, roll to break
the clods, harrow lengthwise the furrows, haul out manure
and spread evenly, harrow again, if sod ground, mark out
four feet each way, drop four grains in a hill, and cover with
hoe from two to three inches deep. They plant from the
25th of April to the 12th of May, as the season permits.
The corn is worked first with the cultivator each way, then
plow from the hill, and the reverse, and lastly with the cul-
tivator or small harrow, leaving the ground loose. Thin out
and pull off the suckers whenever necessary. We leave not
more than three stocks in a hill, and replant to secure that
number. The average crop of corn for the whole county
this year, is about forty-five bushels per acre. The average
cost of raising and cribbing is fifteen cents per bushel.
Three-fourths of the entire crop is fed in the year to hogs

262

and other stock. One-eighth ground is for family use, and
feeding cows, &c. One-eighth perhaps is sent off by the ca-
nal to the Cincinnati market.

Where the land is rich, to plant with a drill, the rows
turning north and south, is considered preferable to plantiug
in hills; simply, because each root and stalk is isolated and
not crowded in the hill, the roots have more room to spread,
and each stalk produces more generally full grown corn. In
ordinary seasons, the plow and cultivator is not used after
the 10th of July.

Oats.—Two bushels are generally sown on oneacre. The
average yield is about thirty bushels per acre. The general
price in our market this year, is about sixteen cents per
bushel.

Rye.—About fifteen bushels per acre is the average pro-
duct of rye, and the market price about fifty cents per
bushel.

Bartry.—The general product of barley is about thirty
bushels per acre, and the general price sixty cents per bushel.
From this statement, barley certainly is much the more prof-
itable crop, while the land is not so much impoverished in
producing it, as it is, by either oats or rye. Wheat succeeds
the barley crop better than any other. There is yet no grain
cultivated in the county, that when ground and fed to milk
cows can compete with it in producing butter, either for rich-
ness or quantity. Spring barley produces from twenty-five
to forty bushels, while that sown in the fall yields from forty
to fifty bushels per acre. Sow in the fall, about the middle
of September, or in the spring as early as the weather per-
mits. Grass succeeds well, when put in with barley.

Grass.—Timothy is esteemed the highest and is generally
sown. Blue grass is preferred for pasture. Herd, is much
used in low moist lands. Clover is not cultivated as gener-
ally as it should be, for it is valuable as a fertilizer, setting
aside other purposes for which it is no mean crop; for in-
stance, to be fed to sheep and colts. The quantity sown on

263

an acre, of timothy is from four to six quarts; blue and herd
grass, three quarts, and clover four quarts.

The product of one acre of upland meadow, will average
of hay, from the mow, one and a-half tons, and that of the
low moist soil, two and a-half tons. The cost of production
per ton, for upland, say in meadow for the period of five
years, will be as follows: for cutting, 50 cents; making, 30
cents; hauling to barn and mowing, 40 cents; in all, $1 20:
and for low lands the cost is about 60 cents for cutting; 40
cents for making; for hauling &c., 40 cents; in all, $1 40.
Place of market, within the county for almost the entire
crop. A small amount has been sent down the canal to a
southern market. The price it commands this season will
average $6 per ton from the mow. The method of renew-
ing the meadows is, to run a sharp toothed harrow over it
early in the spring, twice, the last time at right angles with
the first harrowing, and if needed, sow it again with a small
quantity of seed; then roll it to smooth the surface. Ma-
nure is generally spread on the grass roots late in the fall,
thinly, so as not to smother the plants. Upland meadows
generally, do not require the harrowing process. When the
best qualities of grass run out, it is better to change the cul-
tivation.

The Parennial Ray grass has been cultivated to a small ex-
tent lately, and promises fair for more extensive culture. It
is worthy of a trial. The hay is tolerably good, and stock
of all kinds are fond of it. It is of quick growth, and will
do to mow as soon as clover; the second crop is fine.
Another species called Italian Ray grass, is spoken of as bet-
ter than the former, on account of its larger yield. The only
specimen we know of in this county was received in seed
from the patent office at Washington.

Darry.—The average yield of butter per cow, in this
county, is believed to be about 100 pounds, and that of
cheese, 200 pounds. The comparative cost of the two, I
have no data to guide me; but from the general knowledge

264

received upon the subject, I would suppose that cheese mak-
ing would cost one-third more than that of butter. This in-
crease of cost lies in the necessary care after taking from the
press, in buttering, turning, rubbing, &c. Assuming then
that cheese costs, ready for market, one-third more than but-
ter, and that the former article is produced in double quantity
to the latter, the cheese account has the preference, provided,
the relative prices of the two favors it. The average price
of butter at home, for the past year, is 12 cents, and that of
cheese, 8 cents. One hundred pounds of butter made from
one cow is worth $12, and two hundred pounds of cheese,
product of the same cow is worth $16. We will assume
that the cost of making the butter to be $9; add one-third
for making cheese, which would make its cost $12. This
shows, there would be $3 profit on butter made from one
cow, and $4 on that of cheese. This I apprehend is near
the true state of the case. For the absence of data, I am
not prepared to give the information sought under this head,
though very desirable. Farmers have not kept accounts of
their operations in these matters; but by another year, much
fuller information, no doubt can be obtained. Cheese-making
is extensively carried on in northern Ohio, and proves to be
a money making business. Like all other operations in
manufacturing, the more extended the business, prudently
managed, the greater the profits. Experience is capital, and
studious application is thrift. The article of cheese can as
well be made in this State as elsewhere, and it is hoped will
receive the attention of our agricultural communities.

Near Carrie.—The average cost of raising neat cattle
per head, in this county, until three years old, is about $15;
common treatment. The usual price at that age, not fatted,
is about the same as the cost of raising. This calculation is
based upon common stock. We have not here the wild
range for cattle found in the less densely populated counties,
hence we fall behind them in raising common stock cattle.
If this stock were improved by crosses with Durham stock,

265

it would enhance their value, even for beef, one-third, and at
the same time cost no more to rear them. This is the only
way cattle raising can be made profitable under the present
state of things. The price of good common stock cows, is
from $20 to $25.

Much interest however, has recently been excited among
the farmers of this county to improve their stock of cattle,
and in some portions of the county, their stock, has for some
years, been far superior to that of other portions of the
county. Large importations of improved stock have been
brought into the county from Ohio and Kentucky during the
past year, and a general improvement is already perceptible
throughout the county. Messrs. Morrow and Co., of this
county, have recently purchased a bull, from an importer in
New York, for which they have paid $750.

Suzer ann Wooi.—We believe it has been ascertained by
testing the relative advantages of coarse and fine wooled
sheep, that a medium quality is the most profitable; say an
equal mixture of the Merino and our coarse wooled kind.
The former furnishes finer mutton and fleece—the latter suits
the general demand of the county in the way of clothing.
being of a texture, that when manufactured into cloth, sati-
netts, flannels, &c., is both neat and durable. There is but
little difference in the demand or in the price of half and full
blooded, either as respects the carcass or fleece. Again,a
medium seems to be desirable in regard to rearing the animal.
The coarse wooled sheep cost less in raising and require less
attention, being more hardy; yet they grow less wool, but
more meat, being larger; while the fine full blooded Merinos
require greater attention from being more delicate, but furn-
ish more wool.

A healthy coarse wooled sheep, upon average, will produce
two and a-half pounds of washed wool, worth this season
upon an average, thirty-three cents per pound. The finest
blood produces three and a-half pounds, upon an average
worth thirty-eight cents per pound. Without having any

266

definite data as to the cost of raising; the liabilities to disease
&c., 1 can only express the opinion founded upon general
observation, that the average profit of raising sheep in this
county is from twenty to twenty-five per cent.

Ho«s.—Berkshires, crossed with Irish Grasiers, has proved
to be the most profitable hogs raised in this county. The first
impart fineness of quality, and the latter capacity as to size, &c.
We think it would be a fair calculation to estimate the num-
ber of hogs, fatted in this county, this year and sold, at
10,000. They brought, upon an average $8 per head, mak-
ing $80,000, which accrues to the county from foreign
sources.

Hemp.—This article is cultivated to but a very small extent
in this county; though the soil and climate is admirably
adapted to its culture. Flax has taken its place in the article
of Lint, which farmers generally use to form the woof
in the article of linsey, table cloths, towels and grain sacks.
Flax, however, is mainly raised for the seed, which this year
commands $1 per bushel. The average crop is ten bushels
per acre.

Porators.—The most profitable varieties of potatoes are
the Pink-eyes and Mercers. The former has been much cul-
tivated within the last few years, and is preferred to the lat-
ter, on account of not being so much subject to the rot. The
yield of these two kinds is about equal. The Mercer is as
good a potatoe for the table as ever introduced into the
county. The Shaker Blue is also a very good variety; so is
the large early White. The Kidney and Cow-horn potatoes
are cultivated to some extent and highly esteemed. The
long red hog potatoe is esteemed mainly for its great yield;
they improve in quality by age.

Break up the ground deep, harrow, lay off furrows three
feet each way, plant three potatoes uncut, and of medium
size; apply one shovel full of manure, cover from three to
four inches deep, plow and hoe once, pull up the large weeds,
and when this is done, if the season is favorable, the average

267

yield will be 300 bushels per acre. The average market
price at home is twenty-five cents per bushel. I have found
the wood pile manure of all others the most congenial for the
potatoe. A farmer could not be better employed in potatoe
planting season, than in scraping together this kind of ma-
nure from his wood-house, or wood-yard, and applying one-
half peck to the hill. The potatoe is not near so liable to
the rot as when manured from long barn-yard material,
which undergoes the heating process, after the potatoe is
planted, and moreover the action of the sun and moisture
hasten the decay of the plant while in full growing condition.
And whatever may be the incipient or remote cause of this
disease, potatoe rot, excessive heat and moisture are proxi-
mate causes. The truth of this was exemplified last season.
The plant was arrested in its growth on the last of June, in
many places, by this disease, and from appearance the whole
crop was about to fall a sacrifice to this enemy. But upon
the sudden change of weather from wet to dry, the more
elevated ground was not effected, or if any, but partially,
and upon the whole the crop is a full average one. These
suggestions are submitted for what they may be found to be
worth.

Live Fencres.—The farmers of this county have of late
become interested in propagating live fences, instead of the
usual fence of timber in common use. Timber for making
rails becoming more scarce every year, while the subdivisions
of farms increases, for convenience and interest, necessity
has almost required the change. Jacob Grave, of this county,
has been engaged in the cultivation of the white thorn, for
hedging for the past twenty-five years, and his farm is now
a model for good and permanent fencing. Seed from the
shrub is produced in large quantities, and can be easily ob-
tained at almost all seed-stores. For further particulars on
this subject, we refer the reader to the 7th and 9th numbers
of the Indiana Farmer.

There has recently been brought to this county from Texas,

268

a large amount of Osage Orange seed, and is now being propa-
gatedby Jas. Hammond. He willsoon be able to supply all de-
mands for the plants. We are not prepared to institute a
comparison between Osage Orange and White Thorn; but a
few years will test them.

Fruir Curturr.—tThe following varieties of fruit trees,
furnished by our nursery men is here inserted. No. 1 is de-
signed to represent the most approved for flavor, fruitfulness,
&c. No. 2, as less valuable, and No.3 as not desirable.
Those which have no numbers affixed, have been but recently
introduced into our county, and though they are highly re-
commended, they have not yet undergone the test of soil
and climate, which in some cases materially change the char-
acter of trees and seed bearing plants.

SUMMER APPLES.

2 Kirkbridge White, 1 Daniel Apple,

1 Princess Harvest, 3 Smith’s S weet,

3 Sweet June, 2 Red Stripe,

2 Carolina June, 1 Summer Pearmain,
Red Astrian, 2 Yellow June,

2 Summer Queen, 3 Golden S weet,

3 Early Red, 1 Mendenhall’s Seedling,
Josophene’s Early, 1 Sweet Bow.

FALL APPLES.

1 Rambo, 1 Stillwater Sweeting,

1 Yellow Belleflower, 1 Claybank,

2 Milam, 2 Haglow,

2 Trenton Early, 3 Carolina White Sweet,
Sweet Belleflower, 2 Melting Pippin,

3 White Sweeting, 1 Maiden’s Blush,

2 Sweet Maiden’s Blush, 1 Holland Pippin,
Vanderver’s Sweet, 3 Gloria Mundi.

WINTER APPLES.

2 White Pippin,
1 Wine Apple,

1 White Winter Pearmain,

2 Baldwin,

1 Wine Sap,

2 Vanderver Pippin,

4 Smith’s Cider,
Edgar’s Sweet,

3 Pennock,

2 Tolpahocking,

2 Newtown Spitzenburg,

3 Red Baldwin,
Superior Apple,
Red Rupett,

2 Red Winter Pearmain,
Penterbaugh’s Sweet,

3 Roman Stem,

2 Never-fail,

1 Golden Russet,

1 Black Apple,

1 Rhode Island Greening,

3 American Pippin,

1 Roxbury Russet,

2 Romanite,

1 Red Sweet Pippin,

2 Gate’s Apple,

3 Green-everlasting,

3 White Pearmain,

2 Brown’s Imperial,
Northern Spy,
Imperial Pearmain,

SUMMER PEARS.

% Julienne,

3 Green Summer Sugar,
1 Skinless,

3 Sugar Pear,

1 Early Butter,

2 Pound Pear,

1 Seckle,

2 Balderson’s Early,

2 Orsborn’s Pear,

1 Karly Catharine,

3 Fine Gold of Summer,
Summer Frank Real.

FALL PEARS.

1 Mouth Water,

2 Belle Pear,

1 White Deine,

2 Pearson Hunt,
Autumn Superb.

2 Warton’s Pear,

1 Bartlett of Boston,

2 Princess Germain,
Louis Rome of Jersey,
Buri Dill.

270

WINTER PEARS.

2 Milver’s Favorite, 2 Brassane’s Burgamott,
3 Winter Orange, Dutchess of Anglonini.
1 Davies’ Pegg,

CHERRIES.
1 Black Tartarian, 2 Carnation,
2 White Tartarian, 3 White Ox-heart,
3 Oxen Heart, French Pie Cherry,
3 Rea Heart, 2 Honey Heart.
2 Early May, 1 May Duke,

Napoleon Bigarrow, 1 American Amber,

2 Yellow Spanish, 3 English Marella.

1 Blue Heart,

The plan of grafting at the root is preferred to budding,
though both are practised. Set out large trees in the fall,
and small ones in the spring. Plant from one to two inches
below the surface—throw the top dirt in first; water well;
when the hole is half filled up, so as to settle the dirt around
the roots, pack well; then fill up the whole to the top, but
do not wet it. Put straw, or other trash, from two to three
feet around the tree, six inches deep. All young orchards
should be tended in potatoes or other small grain, but not
corn. The whole crop of apples in this county will average,
one year with another, 500,000 bushels, and the average price
in the orchard 10 cents, making the crop worth $50,000.
For further particulars under this head, the reader is referred
to an article in the Indiana Farmer of Nov. Ist.

Sort, Timper, &c.—The soil for the greater portion of this
county, consists of clay. The south-eastern section is under-
layed with secondary limestone. The northern part presents
mostly a level surface; while in the western portion, the soil
rests upon beds of pebble limestone, with admixtures of silicious

271

substance, gradular from small stone to the finest sand. These
substances are in a state of disintregation, which greatly con-
tribute to enrich the soil. This condition of the sub-stratum is
favorable to the production of vegetable matter, and renders
manuring less necessary; and from its porous nature, the
heat draws the moisture from below, when most needed,
whereas, in stiff clay sub-stratum the reverse takes place.
The sun, in the absence of rain and during crop time, by its
intense heat bakes this kind of ground, which effect is visible
in the cultivated plants by their exchanging the livid green
of summer for the autumnal yellow. From this fact, it is
obvious that to counteract this unfavorable condition in stiff
soils, deep turning up by sub-plowing is highly indispensable.
This plan will furnish depth of mould for the roots of plants
to penetrate downwards, and thus receive moisture, which
they do not, nor can they obtain under the system of shallow
plowing, in dry seasons. There is not a section of land in
this county, but what is susceptible of cultivation. The sur-
face is not too broken, boggy, nor is it submerged. The face
of the ground on the contrary, for the most part is undula-
ting, with sufficient declivity for the water of rains to pass
gently into the natural channels, which run through every
portion of the county. The best system of farming such
land, where the clay sub-stratum prevails, is to plow deep,
and put down in clover; mow the first crop, and when the
second is in full bloom turn under with the plow and sow in
wheat or rye, sowing at the same time clover and timothy.
Pasture and mow for three years; then break up in the
spring—plant with corn—next year in spring, barley—in the
ensuing fall haul manure, sow in wheat, at the same time also
with clover and timothy. Then pasture and mow until the
grass wants renewing, letting the lands rest as long as the
grass continues to occupy the ground to advantage.

The most usual crops raised in this county are corn, wheat,
oats, barley, flax, potatoes, rye, buckwheat, timothy, herd,
and clover, in quantities about in the same order as they are

272

written. There were about 25,000 acres sown with wheat
the past season; the average product was about 15 bushels
per acre, making 375,000 bushels grown in the county in
1851. Stables, barn-yard and hog-pen manures are the sour-
ces for enriching the soil. The stable manure is the best on
account of its retaining its qualities ; one load of this is worth
three of that made in the yard, where it becomes so drenched
with rains that it is of little value in comparison with that
kept under shelter. The time of applying manure is in the
latter part of summer, spread on soon after the ground is
plowed for wheat; or perhaps as good a time is April, for
corn. In working the corn the manure becomes incorporated
with the mould better than on wheat ground, and its virtues
are thus retained from waste by the sun’s influence.

Draiine.—The plan adopted by most of our farmers is to
open a drain of the depth from 18 to 24 inches, and of the
same dimensions in width, then provide oak timber, from 20
to 30 inches in length, according to the width of the drain;
rive them out about two inches thick, place them in an in-
clined position in the drain, letting one end rest at one side
of the bottom, and the other against the opposite side, so as
to reach within 8 or 10 inches of the surface of the ground,
and below the ordinary depth of plowing, forming a triangu-
lar space for the collection and passage off of the water.
Then fill in the earth so as to be level with the surface on
both sides. This mode of draining costs, on an average, ex-
clusive of the timber, from 50 to 75 cents per rod, and answers
a most excellent purpose.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

DANIEL CLARK.

ie
ual N
das

I;
avila ini
, pe i ub

APPENDIX,

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE DISCUSSION, WHICH TOOK
PLACE AT A SERIES OF MEETINGS OF THE STATE BOARD
OF AGRICULTURE, HELD IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN PURSUANCE OF A RES-
OLUTION ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD
ON THE NINTH OF JANUARY, 1852.

Reported for the Indiana State Jonrnal by L. Bollman, Esq.

January 17, 1852.

Mr. Lrrcnrte.p was called to preside.

Governor Wright suggested that the subject of this eve-
ning’s debate should be, “ What is the best system of roads for
Indiana.” The society having signified their concurrence in
this suggestion, he proceeded by saying that Mr. Ellsworth
had suggested an improvement upon the common plank road.
Instead of covering the whole of the track with plank, cross
ties were laid down, and on these planks about 14 inches in
width were placed lengthwise for the wagon wheels to run
on, and the intermediate space was filled in with dirt. This
would afford a firm footing for the horses, whilst the wheels
would have a smooth and firm track. For common roads he
believed that ditches cut on each side of the track, about 18
feet apart, and covered, as in draining lands, would keep the
road always dry.

276

Dr. Brown said that he had a good deal of experience in
roads, having been familiar with lee in this State, from the
trace marked out with the axe, to the railroad. In regard to
the improvement of Ellsworth, it was his opinion that the
intermediate space between the planks would have to be filled
with gravel, else in winter they would be almost impassable
on account of the loose nature of our soil. The planks
would have to be at least three inches thick, because the
travel upon them being lengthwise, they would more easily
split. As to the comparative merits of the gravel and plank
roads, he believed the latter to be cheaper, and the resistance
upon them was not half as great as on the former. The re-
sistance on the plank laid lengthwise, was not as great as
when laid across the track.

As to the Governor’s suggestion of ditching the roads, the
objection was that these ditches would fill up; besides our
winters were such that in the spring when the frost was
leaving the ground, the horses would sink down to the depth
of at least 12 inches. Our soil he thought was too loose for
that kind of road. Our system of working common roads
was miserable. Every year we but do over what was done
the year previous; and bridges are built in such manner as
to render them but temporarily useful.

Mr. Bollman said that in strong clay soils, such as is found
in Monroe county, the plan of Mr. Ellsworth would not do.
The clay is retentive of water, and in a short time the spaces
between the cross ties would become so deep with holes that
the safety of the horse would be endangered by the cross
ties. Gravel would have to be resorted to, and this was so
scarce, that the cost would be greater than the plank road
as now built. He did not think that plank roads would prove
profitable generally. It was only in favored localities, where
the plank were destroyed by the wear of travel, that they
would prove profitable; but when the plank decayed by ex-
posure to the weather or influence of the ground, more or

Q277

as much as by travel, they would be unprofitable. And this,
he thought, would be the case even with roads passing from
one county town to another.

The Governor’s suggestion of ditching would do if the
ground was thrown up in the middle, so that the water could
run off into the ditches. In clay soil and in a rolling or hilly
country, the washing of the road was the great evil, and no
other remedy existed, but to drain off the water from the
centre of the road directly into the ditches. If suffered to
run along the wagon track, gullies were soon washed, and
the usual working they received under the existing laws was
to have these filled up with loose dirt, to be washed out again
by the first hard rains. But no hope can be entertained for
better common roads until] the laws will require a narrow
track to be worked in such way as to make the centre of the
road the highest, and not, as now, a broad road, so flat that
the accumulated waters from it alone will forever keep it
scarcely passable. For general utility, we must rely on well
worked common roads. And to work them, one of the best
. and cheapest scrapers was made by taking the shovel off the
shovel plow, and in its place pinning on a board about two
feet long and one foot wide, made of oak and bevelled at the
lower edge.

Mr. Murray remarked that if we have to rely on common
roads, then it becomes an important question how these roads
may best be worked. It has been very correctly said that
by the present mode the labor of one year is but to do over
again what was done the preceding year. There was but
one correct method, and that was to adopt a narrow track,
and throw the ground up in the centre. In Elkhart county,
this plan was being adopted. From eight to ten furrows
were ploughed along the sides of the track and then the dirt
carried to the centre by scrapers. When thus made, the
road was dry, which was the great object with them, the
country being level.

The plan of Mr. Ellsworth would suit the north well.

278

There it was sandy, and the track would never become deep,
whilst the wheels would have a firm, unyielding track. It
was not uncommon to see wagons stall on account of the
deep sand through which they had to run.

No depth of drainage would make the track dry in many
parts of the north, as for instance along the Michigan road,
and the Governor’s plan would therefore not do. In coming
to this city he had passed over that part of the Michigan
road that was planked, and although the ditches on each side
were three feet deep, yet there was so much water on the
track beneath the planks, that the horses, in treading on
them, would throw the water several feet up.

Mr. Nelson remarked that we all felt interested in this
question. In his county, (Allen,) their most serviceable roads
were plank roads. They had more of them in that county
than elsewhere in the State, and they still continue to make
others. (Here Mr. Nelson enumerated them, all centering
at Fort Wayne.) They could not yet determine their ulti-
mate profitableness as stock, but of their great utility there
could be no question. The county of Allen paid heavy road
taxes, and much labor was bestowed on their common roads.
In making the track, the whole of it was ploughed up, the
first furrow being run in the center of the road, and back
furrows thrown upon it. The middle of the road was made
high.

Governor Wright said that the Ellsworth plan of making
a plank road would do in a sandy soil. We have in Indiana
near 700 miles of plank road, but he thought they would not
be profitable. For general advantage we must rely upon the
common road, with ditches about eighteen feet apart, and
where they cross streams of water, stone ought to be placed
in the bottom, in preference to small bridges. As now con-
stituted, these bridges produce mud holes on each side, and
are not permanent. But when once well paved with stone,
they last always, and are much more easily crossed. Roads
of this kind could be made for five hundred dollars, or seven

279

hundred dollars, a mile. The ditches must go below the soil,
into the hard, firm ground beneath.

Mr. Milliken: The Governor’s plan is a novel one, and
he thought it a favorable one in clay soil. Where roads can
be well drained, they would be permanent; all that is want-
ing is to have the water drained from each side. Mr. Ells-
worth’s plank road would not do in a clay soil. The proper
way to make county roads is to concentrate the work on
some one road of a district or township, and that one to be
the first taken up to which the heaviest donations are offered.
That course was pursued in his county; and roads thus made
are completed, and afterwards need no patching. He regret-
ted to hear that opinions existed unfavorable to the profita-
bleness of plank roads, for he was desirous of seeing more of
them.

Dr. Lewis: As all take a part in these discussions, doctors
may be allowed to make some suggestions, for they travel
much on these roads. The soil in his county, (Warrick,) was
a tenacious clay, and the land level. Although in some of
the roads the ditches are dug deep, and the dirt thrown high
in the center, yet in winter they become flattened, as the soil
is of a sliding nature, and retaining the water, they become
almost impassable. We have no gravel or boulders, or rock,
and the Governor’s plan of crossing streams is not, therefore,
practicable with us. He doubted whether plank roads are
the kind for Indiana. Our experience cannot yet determine
for us their profitableness; but if they are to become so,
their construction must cost less. Mr. Owen’s work had
created heavy and unnecessary expenditures in their con-
struction in the southern part of the State. In many things
his suggestions have been strictly followed, which subsequent
experience showed were unnecessary. It was not necessary
to harrow and roll the track, or to put string pieces under
the plank, or to employ the services of an engineer.

Mr. Brown: The character of the soil in Ripley county is
ac lay, but different from that in Warrick. The sliding char-

280

acteristic of the latter is attributable to the fine quicksand
which is, almost imperceptibly, mixed with it.. The base of
this sand is lime, which is decomposed when exposed to the
atmospheric influences, and hence its sliding nature. He
concurred in the opinion that the track of our roads should
be narrower, but the timber should be cut off so as to let the
sun’s rays reach the whole road. In compact, argillaceous
soils, the Governor’s plan would do, but not in prairies, or
in soils abounding in vegetable matter, no difference to what
height they would be thrown up. The higher, indeed, the
worse.

In making plank roads, no general ‘rules can be followed.
In loose soil, string pieces must be used.

Mr. Spencer: No one system can be generally adopted.
In the north there is no stone, but timber, and a soil which is
unfavorable to good common roads. There, he thought the
plank road best. In the middle there was an abundance of
stone, and turnpikes might be advantageously made. In the
south, the soil generally was a compact clay, but there was
no stone. Dirt roads there would probably be best. No
substantial improvements have been made in the common
roads of the State. In a township in Dearborn county, one
provision of the bill now before the House had been tried,
and it proved to be an excellent one, That provision is to
allow the township or road district to tax themselves, and
apply this tax to the permanent construction of one road
first, then another, and so on. In the township to which he
referred, a leading road to Lawrenceburgh passed through,
which formerly had been given toa company. By the appli-
cation of the fund as stated, the road was purchased from
this company, put in complete repair, and the toll gates taken
down. Labor, as usually applied to our roads, is productive
of but little good; a moderate tax is far more beneficial.

The debate was further continued by Messrs. Murray and
Cockrum; when, on motion, the following questions were
selected for next Saturday evening:

281

1. What is the best road for our people, taking into con-
sideration price, durability, &c.?

2. What is the best system of draining and ditching our
swamp lands?

3. .The comparative value of the different kinds of grasses,
and their adaptation ‘to different soils?

The Society then adjourned.

Sarurnay, January 24.
Mr. Cocxrum was called to the chair.

The question discussed was, “ What is the best mode of
draining swamp lands in the State.”

Mr. McDonald of Lake said, that the best mode was that
one best adapted to the particular locality. In some places
where lands overflowed from streams rising above their
banks, dikes or levees could most advantageously be resorted
to. In other places where a sufficient fall could be had, a
deep ditch cut in the direction the water moved is the best
mode. Connected with this main ditch, branches ought to
be made, for they would more thoroughly drain the land.
Very often all that was necessary was to cut away the thick
sod of the wild grasses, for the water would wash out the
sand beneath, and form of itself a channel sufficiently deep.
But there was another mode, made necessary by the pecu-
liarity of the causes that formed the swamps of the Kankakee.
This river had obstructions in it, which had caused it to
make large bends, overflowing much land in its circuitous
course. By cutting a canal across these bends, this land
would be drained. Between what it is called the highland
and the bank of the river, there are swamps which on ac-
count of their being wet when the bank was dry, has led
many to suppose these swamps to be lower than the river
itself. He thought this was not the case, but the springs
flowing from the highland in their way to the river and its

282

tributary creeks, encountered high grasses which turned the
course of these springs in every direction, and so much de-
layed the discharge of water, as to keep the ground always
covered. Again, in the creeks were found obstructions,
which, in like manner, so changed their course as to force
them into large circuits to get around these barriers. These
difficulties were of a character that could not be overcome
but by a systematic course of draining. If left to individual
enterprise, these obstructions would never be removed, for
individuals were not sufficiently interested to adopt such sys-
tem. The State, he believed, ought to do it. If it did, nine
of every ten acres could be drained, the country made
healthy, and a large school fund be derived from the sale of
the lands. The increase of the value of property would soon
remunerate the State for the necessary outlay, by the en-
larged amount of taxes derived from this increased value of
property.

Mr. Bollman remarked that he came from a county which
had no swamps, and therefore could say nothing on this sub_
ject from personal experience. But the subject itself had
always been to him an interesting one, and hence he had been
led to obtain what information he could about it.

There were three modes of surface drainmg. One, and
the most common, was by ditches, which were used when
sufficient fall could be obtained to pass the water off. But
how to succeed when the fall is almost imperceptible is not so
well understood. But success, nevertheless, was easy. If water
can be discharged as fast or nearly as fast as it flows in, the ground
can be drained. The discharge can be hastened by shortening
the distance over which the water must pass, and by decreas-
ing its friction. Both of these modes are combined, and he
thought they would be successful in the Kankakee marshes.
The nature of the obstructions has just been pointed out by
Mr. McDonald. In the rivulets and creeks and the river it-
self, these obstructions so turned the flow of the waters that
a removal of them by a straightened channel, would carry

283

out a given volume of water in one-half the time now re-
quired. Addthis to the decrease of friction which would
follow, if the water was changed from its present tortuous
course, and he could not doubt the success that must attend
such system of drainage when applied to the Kankakee and
its tributaries. The results that follow a straightened chan-
nel and a decreased friction, might not be readily compre-
hended, but engineers could understand it, for it was from
them he had obtained the views just expressed. '

In many places in the State, swamps a half mile in width
and three or four long, were now owned by private individ-
uals, and one or two of them, in possession of the lower por-
tions of it, might stop all improvement by drainage, by re-
fusing to co-operate with the owners above them. It might
properly become a subject of legislation to pass a general
law fixing the conditions upon which such drainage might be
effected. As a sanitary regulation alone, this legislation
could be justified.

Mr. Litchfield said he saw good already arising out of our
meetings. He had come here opposed to attempting a drain-
age of such marshes as the Kankakee, but he would now favor
it. The remarks made here had recalled to his mind a suc-
cessful instance of draining that had come under his own
observation. A person who had 160 acres to drain, had en-
tirely succeeded by cutting a ditch. Before it was made, it
could not be told which way the water would run, but when
made, the waters, by being collected in a straight channel,
acquired a current as rapid as a person could walk.

Mr. Murray said that the swamp lands he knew best were
those in Elkhart county, and he was well satisfied that they
would be of little value until drained. The swamp lands
entered in that county were formerly valued for their wild
grass of which hay was made some years ago. But since it
has been shown that clover grows well in that county, clover
hay has taken the place of swamp land hay. The tame
grasses will not grow on these swamps, and hence they have

284

become almost useless as meadows. Near his farm was a
creek from ten to fifteen miles in length, and along it was a
swamp varying from a quarter to a mile in breadth. He did
not see how individuals would drain it, because of its extent,
and of the necessity of straightening the creek. The State
might do it. But when drained these lands would be among
the best in the State. A neighbor of his, who purchased at
the head of this swamp, had succeeded, at a little cost, in drain-
ing his farm, and it was now as productive in wheat and corn,
as the best farms. And where lands can be drained by the
usual ditching, he would recommend to their owners the re-
marks of Mr. Morgan, published in the last number of the
Indiana Farmer. But in the county in which he lived, there
were swamps that could not be drained by any method yet
referred to. These swamps were in the centre of large ba-
sins, through which no ditches could be cut.

Mr. McDonald remarked that the subsoil of these basins
was a tough ane tenacious clay, which prevented the water
from passiny through into the sand beneath. A well sunk in
the centre of the basin, through the clay, would, he thought,
effect a drainage of the whold basin.

Judge Smith said, that in drainmg the swamps of the
Kankakee, the first step taken should be to ascertain the fall
in that river, by a survey. Such survey would also show
the probable cost of the drainage, and if too expensive, the
State ought not to undertake it. The current of water car-
ries with it portions of the sides of the banks, and deposits
them in bars, sometimes raising these bars above the level of
the land adjacent to the river. Hence swamps are formed,
but these may be drained by removing the obstructions which
have produced them.

The draining of swamps in most places will require uni-
formity of action, on account of their length. And it is hard
to get this, where the land has been sold, because some of
the landholders would not be willing to pay their average
portions, Two systems to drain the swamp land donated to

285

the State are presented for our consideration—one by the
State, the other leaving the whole matter to individual land-
holders. If the State should not drain them, the land might
be sold with a condition to the title that they should be
drained. .

Mr. Cockrum remarked, that from his knowledge of swamp
lands, which was considerable, he believed that great advan-
tages could be obtained with but little expense. At Honey

Island, in the State of Mississippi, there is a small river with
large bends, and connected with them were a great many

bayous. Some twelve or fifteen years ago a canal was dug
across one of these bends, thus shortening very much the
distance the water had to pass over. Through this pass the
' water run with rapidity, and the result was that the farms
around the bend were drained, and immediately doubled in
value.

With the Potoka river he was quite familiar, from the first
settlement of the country. In early times, there were many
beaver there, and these animals built their dams across creeks
emptying into it. These dams turned the direction of the
streams, giving to them winding courses. The swamps of the
Potoka were found where these dams existed. The bends
were often from a mile to a mile and a half around, when a
stone could be thrown across from their commencement to
where they terminated. By cutting a canal across these
places, he believed the swamps would be drained. The cost
of the canal would be small, compared with the benefits de-
rived,

Mr. Williams said that in Knox county, the lands along
the river were kept wet by its overflowing its banks. Creeks
emptying into the river, were backed up for three or four
miles. With a view of avoiding these overflows, he had in-
troduced the bill now before the House, authorizing the for-
mation of companies to construct levees. He thought it
would be a better policy for the State to give the swamp
lands to the counties.

286

Saturpay, January 31.

Mr. Williams, of Knox county, presided.

The question for discussion was, What grasses are best
adapted to different soils, the best for pasturage and meadow;
the best modes of putting the seed in, and the best mode of
curing the grasses for hay?

Mr. Fletcher said that an enquiry had been made last even-
ing, whether our common blue grass was the same as that of
Kentucky. At the first settlement of this country, blue grass
was found at various places; at Andersontown, Fort Wayne,
and the island at this place. He had conversed with some
gentlemen of Ohio, who were familiar with it there, and they
all concurred in the opinion that it was the same grass as the
Kentucky. The difference in its appearance, at different
places, was attributable to particular and local causes. When
the ground was trodden hard, the grass becomes small here as
it does from the same cause in Kentucky, and both then pre-
sent the same appearance. In Pennsylvania, this grass is
called Green grass, and in New York, June grass. It is well
adapted to clay soils, that are not too wet, and also to swamps
that have been drained. It grows well as far south as middle
Tennessee, especially among the mountainous districts of that
State. He regarded it as the best grass for pasturage. Cat-
tle like it better than Clover, and, take the whole season
round, he preferred it for hogs. Mr. Waddle, of Ohio, had
informed him that if cattle are kept on this grass during the
winter, they will take fat in the spring as readily as if they
had been fed on corn. During the month of December, he
had kept 100 head of cattle on 40 acres of Blue grass, which
had not been pastured from the June previous. They re-
mained in as good condition as they had been in the month
previous, when they were on good timothy meadows. He
did now allow them to eat too close, lest the pasture might
be injured.

287

The manner in which he put the grass in, was to cut down
the saplings, and deaden all useless timber. From 50 to 100
trees might be left to the acre. The common error was to
be too careful of the timber. He himself, for many years,
erred in this matter. On one occasion he employed a Dutch-
man to deaden from fifteen to twenty acres for him during
his absence from home. From a misunderstanding of his di-
rections, this man had deadened nearly all the timber, and
when he returned home, he thought he was ruined. But by
that act, he had gained several hundred dollars. Kentuckians
had informed him that estimating their land at 20 dollars per
acre, they make annually from their blue grass pasture, the
interest, taxes, and 10 dollars per acre. We place too higha
value on wood, supposing that it will be valuable at some
future day. But his experience satisfied him that this was a
great error. For twenty years, wood has advanced but little
‘in value, because the use of stoves have decreased so greatly
the amount consumed.

After deadening the trees, he burned the leaves off late in
the fall, and in the spring following sowed the seed. He
usually bought it cut up in the cutting box, and of this sowed
from two to two and a half bushels to the acre. He sowed
timothy with it, because it formed a pasture sooner, and was
soon rooted out by the blue grass. The first year he did not
pasture it, but the second year he turned cattle upon it, to
keep down the sprouts. Hereafter, he purposed not to cut
down the saplings until after he had sown the seed.

He maintained that it was to the interest of every farmer
to keep more cattle; that we were much deficient in this kind
of stock, and that to keep them, we must have more blue
grass. There was no other kind of grass that so well fitted
the land for subsequent tillage, for the sod afforded the best
kind of nutriment to corn or wheat. To the question that
had been asked, how it could best be destroyed, his own ex-
perience was that if turned over in the spring after it had

288

commenced growing, it never came up; but if in the fall, it
would keep growing.

Judge Smith said that important improvements had been
made in different products by mixing different varieties through
the pollen of blossom. As it seemed to be conceded that the
Kentucky blue grass was better than ours, by sowing the two
together, a permanent improvement might be made in our
own variety. Different kinds of grasses often do better to-
gether, than when sown separately. In Pennsylvania, clover
is always sown with timothy for meadow, and the hay is pre-
ferred. Here the objection was that the clover did not ripen
early enough; but he thought that the timothy was suffered
to stand too long. But the grasses are especially valuable as
fertilizers. Where grass will grow, the land can be made
rich, no matter how exhausted it may have become by im-
proper cultivation. In Pennsylvania the farm is generally
divided, into ten portions, of which three are in cereals, and
seven in grass. The rotation is corn, oats, then wheat with
manure. The land is seeded with grass while in wheat. This
rotation will always improve land. But in the South, where
grass does not grow, the soil cannot be reclaimed; but when
exhausted, the only alternative is for the planter to seek an-
other location.

Mr. Bollman said that the experience of the best farmers in
Monroe county, sustained, generally, the remarks of Mr.
Fletcher. <A farmer of Lawrence county, who had been raised
in Kentucky, and who had extensive wood pastures in Law-
rence, had informed him that the difference between the Ken-
tucky blue grass and that here, was owing to the soil of Ken-
tucky being richer, lighter, and warmer, and the climate more
congenial. In Monroe it was regarded as necessary to burn
the leaves before sowing the seed; and he had seen pastures
where this had been imperfectly done, and for years after the
spots burned could readily be distinguished,—many places
which had not beeen burned having no grass. If the season
is unfavorable for burning, then the leaves ought to be raked

289

into rows and burned. This was especially necessary in the
‘oqaklands, for the leaves of the oak were long rotting. It was
regarded best to sow timothy with the blue grass, and the
more the timber could be taken off, the better and greater the
quantity of grass.

In Monroe county, there was much of the English blue
grass raised. This grass grew in bunches, and did not form
a continuous sod. Which was the preferable grass, had long
been, and is yet an unsettled question. The objections to the
English are, that it will not bear trampling as well as the
Kentucky, and its spring growth is more in the formation of
seed than leaf. But the fall growth forms a heavy leaf, which
continues greener than the Kentucky grass. Hence for
winter pastures he regarded it as the better. It will grow in
a thicker woodland. It was a matter of great surprise to him
that farmers should toil through the spring, summer, and fall
months, to raise enough food to keep their stock over winter,
and exhaust their cultivated lands in so doing, when with
little labor they might have blue grass pastures which would
almost keep their stock. The recent census showed that in
Monroe, as well as in many other counties, the number of
acres of uncultivated Jands was greater than the cultivated.
The average value of lands there is about $10 per acre, and
every one can readily see what an immense outlay is made
in lands yielding nothing but now and then a tree for farm
purposes. Yet all this land, without detriment to the valua-
ble timber, might be made productive and profitable with but
little labor and expense. .The farmers had not given that
consideration to woodland pastures which they ought to have
done, and which they must do, if they would preserve from
entire exhaustion their ploughed lands.

Mr. Secrest remarked that, in Putnam county, all grasses
were very successful, because that county abounded in lime
and potash. There were three kinds of blue grass in culti-
vation there. The first is the common or little blue grass,
which is not found in the Atlantic States. It is the only

290

variety that propagates itself both by the root and seed.
Hence, it forms a sod, but the English blue grass grows in
tufts only. If he remembered aright, the only other grass in
the State that spreads by root is the white clover. And it is
owing to this quality that it takes and retains its hold on the
soil. It is a common opinion that it will root out the blue
grass itself, but this is attributable to another cause. If the
blue grass be pastured until the end of May, it will not form
seed that year, but the white clover seeds twice, and so close
to the ground that it is not easily destroyed by pasturing.
He dissented from the opinion expressed that English blue
grass will grow in the shade. The small blue grass and
orchard grass will do much better than it, and the last of
these is usually kept for pastures in the months of February
and March, on account of its keeping green during the win-
ter. All grasses growing in tufts will not bear trampling as
well as those which form a compact sod. The blue grass of
the Atlantic States is different. It is of a deeper color, al-
most of an indigo blue. There it forms a deep sod, but here
it is light. Our main reliance, he thought, must be on the
little blue grass.

Its advantages are not sufficiently appreciated even by
those farmers most using it. One of these, in his county,
had sold two fields, one of corn for 200 dollars, and one of
blue grass pasture for 100 dollars. The first fed a lot of cat-
tle one month, but the last sustained them for two months;
thus showing that the corn, for which double the price was
given, was worth but half as much as the blue grass. The
usual mode of feeding it was to let the young stock run on
it so long as the weather allowed them to graze upon it. It
was only when it was covered with snow, that it was found
necessary to feed with hay or fodder.

As to sowing it, his experience was that if sowed on snow,
the leaves need not be burned off, for the snow carried the
seed into the ground; but if no snow, the leaves will prevent
it from taking an immediate hold, but the seed is never des-

291°

troyed, and will ultimately find its way to the ground and
come up. In Putnam county it was not usual to fence the
ground until after the grass came up. For the first year
after being enclosed, no stock were allowed to go upon it,
but it was permitted to seed. After that, it required no fur-
ther attention.

There were two varieties of red clover—the common red
and the winter. The latter starts to grow later in the spring,
and bears its seed the first crop. It is better on these ac-
counts to mix with timothy for meadows. The English blue
grass mixed with clover made a good meadow, for the former
held the latter up. The timothy is usually sown in the spring
upon the oats field.

The best soil for grass was indicated by the growth of
trees. Potash trees, as the sugar, will show where grass will
grow luxuriantly. In the south where such trees do not:
grow, there are found no grasses. The expense of putting
in wood-land pastures was small—the girdling of the trees,
cutting down the saplings and the cost of the seed and sow-
ing it, did not exceed $1 70 cents per acre.

Mr. Murray remarked that as it was now nine o’clock,
and much yet remained to be said on other parts of the ques-
tion, not yet alluded to, he moved that the same subject be
continued for discussion at our next meeting.

Which motion carried.

When the meeting adjourned.

Frervuary 7, 1852.

Mr. Brapy, of Marion, was called to the chair.

The question discussed was the same as at the last meeting
—the different grasses for pastures and meadow, the best
modes of putting in the seed and of curing the grasses for
hay.

292

[The last report being confined to blue grass for pastures,
this one will be limited to grasses for meadows and the curing
of them.]

Mr. Nelson said that the great interest of this State was
grazing. It was, too, good for grain growing, but many
parts of it were so far from market, that it cost nearly half
the value of the grain raised in those parts, to get it toa
market. Hence it became an object to raise stock which
could take itself there. Even wool can be transported ata
small cost, compared with that of hauling grain. Five cents
on the dollar’s worth will pay for the carriage on wool, but
thirty-three cents, or one-third of its value, is required on
wheat. Hence the value of grasses, both for meadow and
pasturage, for upon them is our chief reliance. The county
of Allen was good for sheep as to every other matter, except
the growth of the wild parsnip, which was so abundant as
rendered it difficult to be eradicated.

Mr. Williams of Knox remarked that he thought the
grasses more profitable than grain. His custom was to sow
clover with timothy for meadows, for it kept the ground
loose, and all the clover he raised in this way he regarded as
clear grain, as its growth did not interfere with that of the
timothy. He sowed timothy seed in September, and the
following season obtained as good acrop as any subsequently.
In clearing off ground, he sometimes sowed grass immedi-
ately, and left it in until the roots of the trees had rotted, using
it principally for pasture. In wet lands he sowed red top,
which, as it ripened later than clover and timothy, afforded a
leisure time in which to cut it. He made wood-land pastures
by hauling out hay and feeding on the ground he desired to
seed.

Mr. Murray, of Elkhart, said that the remarks that had
been made on this subject were made by gentlemen from the
centre and south parts of the State. He lived in the extreme
north part, and hence many remarks made, he found would
not apply there. The tame grasses raised there were timo-

293

thy, red top and clover, but the latter was the principal crop.
It was not, however, until late years that it had been intro-
duced, for the early settlers thought it was too far north for
clover. The mode of putting it in was to sow it on oats im-
mediately after the latter is harrowed in, at the rate of four
or five quarts to the acre. As soon as it was up, plaster of
Paris, from three pecks to a bushel to the acre, was sown over
it, which much improved both the clover and oats. Clover
could not be safely sown in the fall, for it was often destroy-
ed by the winter, and the danger in the spring was from
drought. The application of the plaster ought to be contin-
ued every spring following, at the rate of about a-half bushel
to the acre. It increases the growth of the crop, and its
effects can be seen even for three or four years after in the
increased yield of succeeding crops of grain.

The clover was allowed to remain three years, and the
second growth suffered to grow up without being cut or pas-
tured, and turned under for wheat. He regarded it as the
most important grass of the State, for analysis showed that
it'was more nutritious, it fattened stock more readily, and
was the only grass by which our worn out lands could be
resuscitated. He thought this State was emphatically a grain
growing State, and to sustain our lands such a fertilizer as
clover will always be required. Its cultivation, too, would
eventually cause the fallowing system to be abandoned, and
in its place would be substituted a profitable rotatiou of crops,
based upon clover.

Mr. Bollman said that when timothy seed was sown for
meadows, it was difficult to get a good set. Before it could
spread sufficiently, weeds and the red top obtained sucha
hold as to render the meadow not very profitable. One far-
mer had informed him that the seed alone had cost him two
dollars an acre, in his efforts to put in meadows. This diffi-
eulty arose, he thought, from the manner in which the land
was put down. The custom in his county, (Monroe,) was
to sow the seed on wheat in the fall, or on oats in the spring.

294

If all things favored, either of these modes was successful,
but the drouth, both of the spring and the fall, usually fol-
lowed and destroyed the seed, when sprouting. This uncer-
tainty of success debarred many from putting in as much
grass as, otherwise, they would, and ought to do. The rem-
edy, he believed, was an obvious one.

In the first place, the ploughing ought to be performed
differently. He spoke now of clay soils, such as in Monroe.
It was usual to plough up a whole field before putting the
harrow upon it. When first turned up, the clods crumbled .
easily, but if left to a drying sun and wind, but a day or
two, they would not pulverize. The flrst change ought here
to be made. The harrow should follow the plow on the same
day, and the ground thoroughly pulverized. This ought to
be the mode adopted, whether the timothy is to be sown on
wheat, or oats, or by itself. After the ground is thus pul-
verized and the seed sown, the roller should follow. The
ground would thus be pressed closely around the seed, which,
by these means, would be protected from the effects of a
drouth.

He would say one word as to curing clover. When cut
down, it ought to be suffered to wilt, then turned, and soon
after put in small cocks, that it might be cured by the wind
passing through them. If cured too much in the sun, the
leaves turn black and fall from the stem, which becomes hard
and innutricious. If put up too green, especially in large,
thick layers, it is liable to mould. If the weather is such as
to force it to be hauled in when too green, alternate layers
of straw and clover will be found advantageous. If the far-
mer has no straw or does not desire to mix it, he should
spread out his clover into as thin layers as possible, and cut
down from day to day as small quantities as circumstances
will permit. A moderate quantity of salt should be spread
over each layer—say from four to five quarts to each horse
wagon load. In curing all kinds of hay, the prevailing error
is to cut down too much at a time, and before any portion of

295
it is made ready for hauling in. All that is cut down each
day, ought to be in cock or wind-row by dark of the same
day.

Mr. Cox coincided in the opinion that clover could be safely
and beneficially mixed by layers, either with hay or straw.
His remarks were principally confined to blue grass, in which
he expressed the opinion that our blue grass, and that called
the Kentucky, were the same, as were also the Dog Foot
and Orchard grass. The latter grass was a valuable kind, as
affording an early pasture, and as growing well in the shade.

Mr. Cockrum, of Gibson, spoke at considerable length up-
on the difference, in appearance, of the Kentucky and the
common blue grass. He had always supposed them to be
different species. He regarded Indiana asa grass State. He
had never seen our grasses grow further south than about
the middle of the State of Mississippi. It ceased to grow
when the Spanish moss and the magnolia miade their ap-
pearance.

The mode he adopted to put new grounds in timothy, was
this. He felled the trees in piles, as nearly as could be done,
then left them lie for over a year, and in the fall burnt them.
He then sowed the seed and harrowed it in. The first sea-
son he hada good crop, for the potash produced by the burnt
timber, brought the grass forward rapidly. It required two
years’ growth to make the first crop of red top good. Some
grasses will grow well in the shade, but the more sun they
could get, the stronger and more nutritious was the grass.
Green trees injured it as they do corn and other green culti-
vated crops.

Mr. Holloway said that surprise had been expressed of a
statement made, that clover grew eight feet in height, and
that it was so thick and long that it had to be beaten down
before it could be turned under with the plow. Coleman, in
his work on English Agriculture, says that he saw in that
country, clover stalks so thick that walking canes were made
out of them. Asa fertilizer he regarded clover highly, for

296

he had seen worn out land so far resuscitated as to yield 98
bushels of corn to the acre. It would grow in poor land for
the reason that a large portion of its nutriment was drawn
from the atmosphere, and when turned under, it gave to the
soil the nutriment thus obtained. He believed it to bea
biennial plant. The blue grass pastures, he said, in the
White Water Valley, were used principally for winter
pastures.

(Mr. H. then referred to certain matters connected with
sheep raising, but as that is the particular question for next
evening’s discussion, his remarks will then be reported.]

Mr. Brady, of Marion, closed the debate. He stated that
he thought if clover did not freeze out, it would live for sev-
eral years. But as it forms a stool or broad crown, the
ground, when frozen, by its expansion against this stool,
forced the root so much out of the ground as to be injured
past recovery. Rolling the land in the spring would not
benefit it. He turned under deeply the second crop when
the seed had ripened, and sowed in wheat, followed hy rye
or some other similar crop. When plowing for this crop the
clover seed was turned up, and the field was reset in clover.
By this kind of rotation, the field could always be kept in
clover, and constantly improved. He disliked red top, and
regarded it as a great pest, except in low, wet situations.
There was no better grass, for early pasture, than white
clover. Its yield was very great in the spring, but not much
in the fall. He believed that blue grass grew as well here as
in Kentucky, where the land was mellow and rich. He had
sown the seed of both the Kentucky and Indiana, and could
see no difference between them.

Fesrvuary 14, 1852,

Mr. Holladay of Parke was called to the Chair.
Mr. Fletcher said that he felt a deep interest in the ques-

297

tion for discussion this evening, which referred to the profita-
bleness and best mode of raising stock. In the last ten years
there has been a comparative decrease of stock in this State
and in Ohio in the last two years. Along the line of the
canal and in the northern part of this State, the farmers had
almost entirely been engaged in raising grain. He believed
we might now double our number of cattle, without decreas-
ing our hogs. A farm of 160 acres, one half of it cleared,
with about 5 acres in meadow and 30 acres in corn, could
raise from 30 to 35 head of cattle, but at this time such farms
would not average over 15 head. The consequence of this
comparative decrease of the number of cattle raised has been
a considerable advance in price. Cows, which a few years
since could be bought for $8 or $10 now brought $15.

It became an important question, whether an increase in
stock would result in a material reduction of prices? He
thought not. The American people were beef-eaters. It has
become a common practice, and one he thought that would
not be departed from, to have fresh beef on the table every
day, and almost every meal. The demand for oxen to go to
the Pacific coast was considerable, and would continue. Un-
der these circumstances, he believed our stock of cattle might
be greatly increased, and the farmer continue to receive re-
munerating prices.

The first thing that demands our attention is the improve-
ment of the breed. Although our Durhams are but crosses
with the common stock, yet they are worth five dollars more
than the common breed, when both are two yerrs old. He
was glad to see this subject engaging the attention of the far-
mers, for since the agricultural societies had come into exist-
ence, some of his neighbors had gone into Kentucky and
brought here some improved stock. But independent of its
greater value, fine stock had a moral influence that no farmer
ought to disregard. To make our children take an interest
in agricultural pursuits, we must so conduct the farm as to
make it a pleasant home, and one in which they can take an

298

interest. He knew no way by which this could be better
done than by raising such stock as will create a pride in its
management and care.

The error being committed was in raising too many mules.
He feared that this kind of stock was commanding an undue
attention, and must soon result in over-production. Both
here and in Kentucky a great demand existed for large brood
mares for the purpose of raising mules, and this demand, by
taking from us our brood mares, would, in a short time, ma-
terially decrease our stock of horses.

Sheep raising was becoming an important matter. In
some parts the land was too low and moist to be well adapted
for rearing them, but most of our State was well suited for
them. In the oldest States the great object seemed now to
be, to produce wool of the finest quality, without regard to
the size of the body. Hence it is that Pennsylvanians have
come here for the last three years to buy up our large bodied
common sheep for mutton. He believed our present policy
was to raise large sheep for slaughtering, which would be
profitable not only on account of the demand to which he
had just referred, but because the use of sheep in this way
would increase, as the felts, and suet were now put to more
advantageous uses than formerly.

Mr. Bollman remarked that having it in view to turn his
entire attention to wool growing, he had made a good deal
of enquiry as to its profitableness and the best mode of rear-
ing sheep. The chief disadvantage under which our farmers
now labor is the impossibility of securing bucks, in sufficient
numbers, and of the requisite fineness of wool, to enable the
farmers to annually exchange bucks with each other. The
sheep is an animal of delicate constitution, and more than
any other animal is liable to deterioration. ‘Some farmers in
Monroe, who had good bucks had bred in and in until their
flocks had become diseased. It was, he believed, a well set-
tled rule, that in all stock raising the parent should never
cross with his offspring. Now to avoid this evil, every far-

(299

mer ought to be able to annually exchange bucks with his
neighbors, but this cannot be done under the present condi-
tion of wool growing in most counties of the State. More
attention must be given to breeding animals, and he was glad
to learn that the Wayne county society was importing ani-
mals from which other counties would, in time, be so largely
benefited.

He concurred in the views just expressed by Mr. Fletcher,
as to the comparative decrease of cattle in this State, and the
propriety of increasing largely that stock. There was a rea-
son, however, for that decrease. Hogs are easily raised, and
require less outlay in preparing to raise them. They are
soon brought into market, and now pay so well that those
farmers, and the proportion of them was a very large one,
who not being prepared to shelter and feed sheep and cattle,
turn their attention to hog raising. To raise stock profitably,
besides the winter pastures and meadows we.spoke about for
two meetings past, sheds and stables must be prepared, for
sheep and cattle must be protected from the cold, chilling
rains of the winters of this latitude. Mr. Fletcher had re-
ferred to the prosperous condition of the cattle raisers in
Parke and Putnam, and favorably contrasted it with those
who raise corn and hogs in the richer lands of other counties.
He not only concurred in this opinion of the profitableness
of cattle raising, but ventured the prediction, that the rolling
clay soils, although so much less fertile, would ultimately
prove the most lucrative from that very cause, for the reason,
that after the soil was impoverished by corn raising, the
grasses and other stock, besides hogs, would have to be per-
manently resorted to, that their fertility might be restored.
Then farmers would prepare the requisite sheds and stabling,
and when once fixed for stock raising, they never would
abandon it.

Gov. Wright remarked he had no doubt that at this time
ten thousand dollars might be most profitably laid out in the
purchase of breeding animals for this State. He had seen

300

not long since two sheep ont heir way to Illinois, from Ohio,
which had cost one hundred and seventy-five dollars. The
want of fine animals, by which our stock might be profitably
crossed, was everywhere experienced, and he believed that
our Agricultural Societies would do much towards providing
for these wants. But whilst leaving much to their energy
and exertion, there were legislative measures necessary to
protect them in the fruits of their enterprise. There were
two evils which ought to be provided for without longer de-
lay. These were to prevent male stock from running at
large, and to give protection to the wool grower against the
depredations of dogs.

He had, a short time since, been written to by a farmer,
upon the supposition that he could do something in the mat-
ter, asking that some law might be enacted to protect him.
This man had purchased a valuable lot of ewes, and whilst
keeping them to the proper season to run with the male, a
worthless animal had got amongst them and destroyed his
expectations of an improved stock. Such instances as these
are of constant occurrence. The injury sustained from the
destruction of sheep by dogs was great, and an efficient rem-
edy ought to be provided.

He thought that our flocks of sheep might profitably be
largely increased. We consumed some seventy millions of
pounds of wool more than we raised. The English farmer
who pays so much more for rent of the land he cultivates,
can undersell ours and pay a duty too. This fact shows that
we have much improvement yet to make. In Ohio, the an-
nual surplus of wool is about three millions of pounds, whilst
in this State, he thought it did not exceed a quarter of a mil-
lion. Mutton hams are now cured in such a manner as
scarcely to be distinguished from venison. For the wool or
for the flesh we may profitably, and easily and quickly raise
them. But he confidently anticipated that the generous riv-
alry created by the influence of our Agricultural Societies,
would soon stimulate all to a desire for improvement, whilst

301

by bringing together at our fairs the best animals in the
State, a market would be opened, through which all could be
supplied with valuable breeding animals.

Mr. Holloway said that he regarded wool growing as one
of the most lucrative branches of farming, especially in hilly
counties. There the land was best adapted for sheep, and
least suitable for the plough. In some parts of the State the
sheep were disposed to the liver rot, as the disease was com-
monly called, but he knew a farmer who had effectually
avoided it by sowing in his sheep pastures some of the seed
of the common parsley—about one quart to the acre. But
of all enemies to the sheep, the dog is the wost. A farmer
in Wayne county at one time owned a flock of nearly two
thousand, which have been almost destroyed by dogs. A
large number were killed by them, and others become dis-
eased by the continual frights they were subjected to. There
was not now one sheep in ten that was formerly raised in
that county. And yet when this subject is brought before
our Legislatures for their consideration, it becomes, usually,
a subject of merriment.

An opinion had been expressed this evening by Mr. Boll-
man, that a great error in sheep raising arose from breeding
in and in, and that disease and deterioration was the conse-
quence. This opinion he knew was regarded as correct but
he had recently read a French work, which recommended
this kind of breeding to improve the fineness of the wool.

Mr. Bollman said that the expression “ breeding in and in”
in this county denoted the practice of allowing the parent to
cross with its own offspring, and he was well satisfied that
both experience and physiological facts would bear him out in
his‘;condemnation of the practice. But in Europe the expres-
sion may mean nothing more than to breed through the
same species. Thus if fineness of the wool is sought for by
one having a flock of Merinos, they ought not to be crossed by
a Saxon buck, but by a Merino. This he presumed was all
that is meant by the French authority referred to. Buta

302.

flock may be crossed by a new buck every year, and none of
them be related by blood.

As to the dogs, he desired to say that this was a matter of
serious consideration to him, when he thought of entering
into the sheep business. He had seen so many destroyed by
dogs, that he did not feel disposed to incur the expense of
getting a valuable flock to be destroyed by them. His reso-
lution had been taken, and that was to shoot every dog on
his premises, when not accompanied by his owner, let the
consequences be what they might. He could see from the
tracks on the ground that his farm was traversed almost
every night by dogs, and he know it was useless to procure
sheep, whilst they prowled about. Here is my friend Mr.
Murray, who has just received a letter from home, informing
him of the destruction of some of his flock by dogs, whilst
they were in his barn-yard, close to his dwelling house. Yet
when the General Assembly is invoked for protection against
these worthless dogs, the farmer (?) who lives by hunting at
night and sleeping through the day, is better remembered
than he who would improve the wealth, and comfort and in-
crease the taxable property of the country. Those who have
these matters under their especial care in our Legislature
often desire to do what is right, but their limited acquaintance
with the operation of laws, leads them to choose inadequate
remedies. This was the nature of the bill which has just
passed the House here. It allows the injured farmer to re-
cover the value of his sheep from the owner of the dog. It
presupposes two things—jirst that the injured person knows
and can prove whose dogs destroyed his sheep, and second,
that the owner of the dogs is worth sufficient property to
collect a judgment against him. Now every farmer knows
that in nine cases out of ten, he never can see the dogs, as it
is in the night time that the destruction is committed; and
even if he knew them, he could not prove the offence upon
them. And then, again, in nine cases out of ten, the owner
of these dogs is law proof. Our friend Dennis of Wayne,

303

when here as a member of the State Board of Agriculture,
informed us that three sheep had been brought into that
county which cost one thousand dollars. It is such property
that we can leave by the side of our dwellings at night to be
destroyed by dogs, with an assurance that such a law as this
will give adequate compensation if they are destroyed. Such
a law is a mockery.. There are but two courses to be pur-
sued—separately or united. Farmers must be allowed to
destroy dogs coming on their premises without an owner, or
a tax must be laid upon all dogs to create a fund, out of
which to indemnify losses sustained from them. The same
principle must be adopted which we act upon in upholding
society itself, We tax the orderly and well disposed that
they may be protected from those inclined to evil. For him-
self he believed that both these remedies ought to be given.
Mr. Murray moved that the subject of stock raising be
continued for discussion for another evening, and that here-
after we meet at half past six o’clock; which was adopted.

Fesrvary 21, 1852.

The question discussed this evening was the comparative
value of the different kinds of stock.

Mr. Rockum1, of Allen county, was called to the chair.

Gov. Wright remarked that although the subject of this
evening’s discussion had reference to stock raising, yet as a
remedy against losses from dogs was now a question before
the Legislature, and as there were some farmers here on a
a.visit to the capital, he would be glad to hear their opinions
on this matter.

Mr. Pope in answer said that he knew several flocks of
sheep that were broken up by the dogs, and that some remedy
ought to be provided against their depredations.

Mr. Cook believed that the dogs which kill sheep are sooner
or later discovered, but then the evil is done.

304

Mr. Williams remarked that about two years ago he had
been suddenly awakened one night by an animal jumping
through the sash into his sleeping room. Upon getting up
he discovered it was one of his sheep, and when he went out
of the house, he found that the dogs were after his flock.
In the morning he ascertained that nine of them were killed.
Such losses had deterred him from extending his business in
wool growing, although on several accounts he preferred
sheep. They destroyed more weeds and sprouts on new
pasture lands, and do not injure the soil by tramping. But
he had no information by which to determine the compara-
tive value of sheep with other stock.

Horses and mules are now regarded the most profitable on
account of the high prices of these animals. But to enter
into this business extensively, a farmer would have to keep
many more brood mares than he could profitably use on his
farm, and then the profits would be greatly diminished by
the outlay for keeping the mares.

Mr. Nelson said that he thought sheep or horses more
profitable stock than cattle. When considerable numbers
were raised, horses were more hardy than cattle, and conse-
quently, the loss by death was much less. Although there
was some difference in the value of food consumed by a horse
until he is two or three years old and a steer of the same
age, yet the former would sell for three or four times as much
as the latter. But he concurred in the opinion expressed by
Mr. Williams, that if more brood mares have to be kept than
can be used, then the profit of horse raising is considerably
reduced, unless under peculiar circumstances such as existed
in some parts of Allen county. The gentleman who now
occupies the chair has large numbers of horses grazing on
prairies, and they cost him so little that he seldom sees them
for a whole season. Another farmer of that county has
about one hundred which range on the prairies during the
grass season, and in winter he feeds them on hay, using them
for trampling out his wheat. He sells yearly about a thou-

305

sand dollars worth of them, and his outlay must be very in-
considerable. But when the farmer must. prepare pastures
and inclose his land, he thought that sheep, if they were
healthy, would be the most profitable stock, especially in in-
land situations, which had no market advantages, because the
freights on wool were small compared with its value.

Governor Wright condemned mule raising. Our farmers,
he said, had directed too much attention to them, because of
the favorable prices given, but he apprehended the business
would be overdone. Horses were preferable stock to them,
and he thought they would continue high. Cattle, too,
would not decrease in price, and any one having a farm of
200 acres ought to direct his attention to that kind of stock.
The advantage they had was, that as food, the great increase
of population would create a demand, which would keep
pace with the increased numbers that might be raised. They
cropped the grass without demanding the labor of the farmer;
nearly all his labor was given in preparing pastures for them.
They take but little from the fertility of the soil. But in
these respects hogs were very different. It is supposed that
this State has sold the past season about three millions of
dollars worth of hogs. To produce the corn necessary to
feed this number, has required great labor, and an exhaustion
of soil, that can be estimated only by those who live in dis-
tricts where corn raising has drawn so much fertility from:
the land as to render it useless until restored by the grasses,
With cattle it was very different. One of the most success-
ful farmers of his acquaintance, confined his attention to cat-
tle raising, and no one seemed to get along with less labor,
He bought up in the spring yearlings, and kept them but one
winter. When about two and ahalf years old he sold
his steers, as at this age, he thought them most profitable to
dispose of.

He desired to say something more about sheep. The Re-
porter had misunderstood his remarks about the surplus
amount of wool of Ohio. It was about. three millions of

306

dollars worth, and not that number of pounds, as reported.
If wool was not profitable here at present prices, how is it,
he would ask, that the English farmer who pays as much for
the rent of his land, annually, as we have to pay for the land
itself, can sell his wool in our market? That we have not
enough of sheep, even for food, he was satisfied. A short
time since he saw a man here desirous of purchasing three
hundred for the Cincinnati market, but he could not find
them. Let us encourage this kind of stock, by allowing
farmers to kill dogs coming on their farms without an owner
with them, and he thought such a law would result in the
desired protection from this evil.

Mr. Milligan of remarked that in his section of the State
the farmers did not plow as much as in many other por-
tions, and consequently their soil was not so rapidly
exhausted. But still they plowed more than they ought to.
There were other advantages to corn and wheat growers, in
keeping more stock than they do, that were well worthy of
notice. A farmer who had 200 acres of land could raise from
90 to 30 acres of corn and wheat annually, and with far
greater profit if he kept stock, than if he cultivated a larger
number of acres without such stock. The manures which
the stock would yield him would be sufficient to keep this
number of acres in a fertile condition, and by putting his
grain upon a sward, he would not be troubled with weeds.
Hence the produce per acre would be much larger, and his
labor in attending the crop far less. Cattle raising would be
profitable at present prices, especially when lands needed re-
cruiting by pasturage.

He had attempted to raise sheep, but quit it because of the
loss sustained by dogs. It often happens that, when about
to commit depredations of this kind, several dogs go together,
and thus in one night the loss is heavy. The first intimation
of such dogs being in the neighborhood is this destruction,
and then it is too late to guard against it. If the dogs could
be put out of the way, sheep raising would be profitable.

307

The present high prices given for hogs make them a profita-
ble stock, but the production of so much corn as they require
destroys the soil. Besides, too, they demand more labor to
fit them for market, and this labor is not often considered in
estimating the comparative value of the different kinds of
stock.

Mr. Bollman said that when a farmer is about to determine
what kind of stock he will raise, he ought not look to present
prices alone, but should take into consideration the advan-
tages and disadvantages of his locality. Thus cattle raising
can most profitably be followed where there were wet marsh
prairie lands, as in Greene and other counties. Here there is
such abundant natural pasturage that one person may attend
to a herd of three or four hundred cattle. All that was ne-
cessary to do was to salt them occasionally, and keep them
from separating and strolling away. From a farm near these
meadows the hay should be prepared to keep them during
the winter. But where these natural advantages do not ex-
ist, and a farmer must enclose his lands and make pastures,
the common unimproved stock cannot be profitably raised by
keeping many cows. If, however, the farm, on account of
its water advantages and nearness to market, is good for
dairy purposes, then a number of cows sufficient to stock
the farm with their offspring may be very profitably kept.
If dairy operations cannot be profitably conducted, then
there remain but two courses to pursue. If cows are kept,
they must be of good breeds, otherwise the expense of keep-
ing the mothers will take away the profits of the offspring,
Or else the farmer must limit his operations almost entirely
to buying up yearlings at a low price, as is the course pursued
by the farmer alluded to by the Governor.

[Here Mr. Nelson inquired how it was that yearlings could
be bought in this way.]

My friend from Allen, continued Mr. B., lives in the line
of safe precedents, that is in that part of our State settled
by farmers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. But in

308

the more southern portions we have many from Slave S tates,
whose knowledge of farming does not go beyond raising hogs
and corn. These farmers have two or three cows, but do
not provide hay enough to keep the calves through the win-
ter, and have no other pastures than unenclosed lands. The
consequence is, that about February their stock is in a starv-
ing condition, when they are disposed to sell the calves very
low. It was this class of farmers too, who keep a good many
dogs, hunting foxes and coons at night, and either sleep in
the day-time, or are unfit to work. The Southern States
had, nevertheless, afforded many excellent farmers.

He heartily concurred in what had been said with regard
to the injurious results of corn and hog raising to the soil.
Many farmers took no account either of the loss in this way,
or of the labor necessary to raise the corn upon which they
fattened the hogs. They looked to the sum received for
them. If they took into account these matters, they would
find cattle and sheep raising much more profitable than is
now generally supposed. These improve the soil and require
comparatively but little labor, leaving the farmer time to fur-
ther improve his farm and buildidgs. Of the ultimate results
of corn raising, he had a striking evidence in a county ad-
joing Monroe. On joking one of its most wealthy farmers
and traders about the number of the blackberry bushes eve-
rywhere visible on the uplands, indicating an exhausted and
neglected soil, the farmer answered that this was owing to
corn having been raised, year after year, until the land was
exhausted, and now it was seen to have been a curse to
them.

As to the profitableness of sheep-raising at existing prices
he could not determine, but farmers here so regarded it. But
he noticed from communications in the Patent Office reports,
that in Washington county, Pennsylvania, the most extensive
wool-growing county in the Union, that it was not regarded
as profitable there.

Mr. Hatfield said that he was a mechanic, but purposing

to turn his attention to farming, he had given considerable
attention to rural subjects. As to the different kinds of
stock, he came to the conclusion that on rich bottom lands,
hogs were the most profitable, but uplands, where the land
was easily exhausted, ought to be cultivated in grasses for
sheep, cattle and horses. Clover grew well in these river
bottoms, so that when the land become less productive, it
could be put down in clover and hogs turned upon it. He
had noticed that the farmers in the hilly lands who raised
corn, did not seem to prosper, and indeed the cornfields
showed that they could not. Upon such land there could be
no doubt that sheep would be the most. profitale mode of
farming. Last winter he had visited Tennessee, and found
that cattle raising was pursued there to a great extent. In
the winter the cattle lived upon the cane, and become fat
upon it, more so than in the summer upon grass, for then
they were troubled with flies. There cattle cost the farmer
no more than the looking after them.

Gov. Wright remarked that as the usual hour for adjourn-
..ing had arrived, he would move that the subject for next
evening’s discussion. should be wheat culture, including the
_kinds best to be sown, the mode of putting in and_harvest-
ing, &c.

Which was agreed to; when the meeting adjourned.

Fesruary 28, 1852.

Mr. Cockrum of Gibson, was called to the chair:

The subject discussed was “ Wheat culture.”

Mr. Murray of Elkhart, remarked that he resided in a
wheat growing portion of the State—his county, although
organized so late as 1830, now being the second county in
the State, in the production of wheat. It was settled chiefly
by Pennsylvania farmers, who were accustomed to do their
work. well.

310

The mode of putting in wheat, almost uniformly practiced,
was by summer fallow. They never put it in after an oats
crop or in corn ground, unless forced to do so by existing
circumstances. The summer fallow was performed in the
following manner: About the first of June, being the time
between the planting of corn and its ploughing, the ground,
intended for wheat, was deeply broken up—about eight inches
in depth. It was then left until the weeds and grass came
up, when sheep were turned upon it. If the farmer had ma-
nure to spare, it was spread all over the ground before it was
first ploughed. About the first of August, the ground was
again ploughed, and suffered to lie, until from the first to the
tenth of September, when the wheat was sown broadcast
with from one to one and a-half bushels to the acre. The
wheat was then, either harrowed in, or ploughed in with the
barshare plough. If harrowed, it was gone over twice—the
soil being sandy and easily mellowed, especially under the ef-
fects of the following system: When ploughed in, the plough
was so set as not to run deeper than three inches.

The average yield depended upon the condition of the soil
and the kind of wheat sown. They had five qualities of soil
in Elkhart—the prairie, thick wood, burr oak, white oak, and
black oak. The first yielded from 25 to 35 bushels to the
acre, the second and third from 20 to 25, and the others
from 15 to 20.

The quantity of seed proper to be sown, depended some-
what upon the mode of putting in. If ploughed in, a bushel
and a quarter was sufficient, for all the grains were covered.
But when harrowed in, a bushel and a half ought to be sown.
It is a common error to sow too little seed in all our farming
operations, for by so doing a chance is given to the weeds,

But the best mode of putting in wheat was by the drill.
It saves seed, deposits it evenly, allowing regular spaces be-
tween the rows, thus giving to all parts of the plant a free
circulation of the air. But its protection against freezing
out, was its most commendable advantage. The wheat being

311

deposited in furrows or drills, the intermediate spaces were
small ridges, which, by the action of the frost during the
winter, were gradually leveled—the grouud falling over into
the furrows, thus covering the roots of the wheat still deeper.
These advantages must introduce the wheat drill to the no-
tice of every farmer who annually cultivated 20 or 40 acres
of wheat. The saving and increase production would pay
for the drill in one or two seasons to all such farmers.

The different kinds of wheat cultivayed in Elkhart county,
were those usually cultivated in the north. But the best va-
rieties rapidly deteriorate, and hence the interest taking in
the introduction of new kinds. Every two or three years,
the seed must be changed on the farm, the law of nature, in
this respect, seemingly being the same as in the animal king-
dom. This tendency to deterioration was readily seen in
what was called with them, the club wheat. When first in-
troduced, it had three rows of grains on each side of the
stalk, making six in all. But after a few years cultivation it
decreased to two rows on each side. This wheat was brought
from Ohio, and stood the winters well, but was subject to be
attacked by the fly. He did not doubt but that it would
prove a valuable variety in the middle and southern portions
of Indiana, if introduced there. The Mediterranean was in
a great measure abandoned in his county, because it was lia-
ble to be killed by the late spring frosts in May, and some-
times in June, and being a red dark wheat, it was, on that
account, docked by the millers from two to five cents a bush-
el. The Hutchinson wheat had been lately introduced from
New York. It was probably the same as the New York
white flint, for here we are accustomed to give the name ot
the person to the wheat introduced by him. This wheat,
like the club wheat, now contains six rows and is very pro-
ductive. We also cultivate the White Blue stem, originally
introduced by the Patent Office into New York. It was sent
to the Secretary of the New York Agricultural Society, by
whom it was tested, and was so highly esteemed that it soon

312

found its way over New York and into Pennsylvania, from
which S tate, and through the Patent Office, we have derived
it, and hence it is in some places here, called the Pennsylva-
nia Blue stem. Most of the Premiums awarded by the New
York Agricultural fairs, are taken by the cultivators of this
wheat. But from all accounts the most valuable variety yet
introduced, is the Australian wheat. Some farmers had in-
troduced it into Elkhart county the past fall from New York,
where it readily sold from five to six dollars per bushel. For
this wheat too, the country is indebted to the Patent Office.
And, here he desired to say that he hoped this part of the
General Government of our Union would soon be placed in
a condition by which it could be made more useful still to the
great agricultural interests of our country.

Rotation in crops, he said, was an essential requisite to
profitable wheat cnlture. Clover and plaster must be resort-
ed to, in order that the fertility of the soil may be sustained.

He would allude to but one other matter, and that was
the most proper time to cut wheat. This has long been a
controverted matter among agriculturists, and in order to
determine it, one of the heaviest wheat growers in his coun-
ty had made this experiment. Having a very large harvest
on hands and the indications being unfavorable for good
weather, he divided his fields into three portions, cutting the
first one very green—when it was yet in the soft dough state.
The second portion was cut at the usual time, and the third
when quite ripe. He had these kept separate, and ground
separate. That which was first cut, produced the best look-
ing wheat, and made the most and best flour. The last har-
vested was the worst looking—the grain being smaller, and
the flour darker. All of this wheat was ground by the best
millers in the north part of the State, and shipped to New
York. His own experience and observations were in accor-
dance with the results of this experiment.

Mr. Williams of Knox, said that for many years it was
supposed that the bottom lands in the section of the State in

313

which he resided, would not do for wheat, because of their
greater liability to the rust. The preference was given to
upland clay soils. But experience had shown that after the
bottom lands had been under cultivation ten or twelve years
they were better for wheat, and not as liable to rust. On
one of these bottom lands he had put in a field of wheat, by
ploughing it very deep in August, and sowing from the first
to the tenth of September, at the rate of one and a quarter
bushels to the acre. The yield averaged 25 bushels per acre.
Deep ploughing he regarded as essentially necessary for the
successful cultivation of wheat,:and last fall he had broken
up his ground very deep. The wheat now looks very favor-
able. Such ploughing and fallowing in June, must almost al-
ways meet with success.

The kinds now sown are the Alabama, red: chaff-bearded,

‘blue stem, old smooth late white, and Mediterranean. The
last is a heavy wheat and hard to grind. The smooth white
makes whiter flour, but the rust and fly are more fatal to it.
The time of cutting is when the wheat is in a pretty thick
dough state.
' Mr. Hunter, of Marion, remarked that last year he had
tried an experiment as to the best mode of putting in wheat.
He drilled in six acres with Gatling’s Wheat. Drill, six acres
he had ploughed in, and six acres he had sown broadcast and
harrowed in. ‘The land was the same, and in all respects
‘alike. He thought that wheat might be put in too deeply,
and, therefore, he had gaged the drill so as to put it in from
two to two anda half inches in depth. When it first came
up he supposed it was not thick enough, but on harvesting
the whole field, he ascertained that the drilled wheat yielded
20 per cent over that which was ploughed in, and 25 per
cent over that which was harrowed in. He therefore gave
a preference to drilling over all other methods.

Mediterranean, golden straw, and Pennsylvania blue stem,
were mostly sown here. ‘The © Mediterranean was: well
adapted to this climate. It was not as liable to the rust or

314

fly, and it could be sown and reaped earlier. He knew it
was objected to by millers here, but if cut befcre it was quite
ripe, it would yield as much flour as any other kind, and it
was excellent also. The white blue stem is liable to the red
rust, but this kind of rust is not very injurious. This wheat
will wait upon the farmer, for it does not shatter out much
when very ripe. Wheat ought, in his opinion, to be cut
when the dough is in rather a dry state.

There was one subject he desired to refer to now, as some
members of the Legislature were present. A law ought to
be passed by which the amount of the products of the agricul-
ture of the State could be annually ascertained. The pro-
gress made, and in what direction, could then be yearly seen.
The assessors, he thought, ought to have power to take lists
of the number of acres under cultivation, and their product,
and also the number of each kinds of stock. As it is, we
cannot forsee an over production of any one thing. Besides
how do we stand under the census of 1850. They ear of 1849
was one of the worst wheat seasons in this State, and hence
it is that we are represented as producing but six and a half
millions of bushels of wheat. Under that wrong impression
we must remain for ten years. He believed from these con-
siderations that an annual census of our leading agricultural
productions ought to be made. Ohio has adopted this plan,
and its results are such that she would not now abandon it.

Mr. Bollman said that on account of the heretofore inland
position of Monroe county, the culture of wheat had received
but little attention, with a large portion of its farmers. But
with the prospect of a railroad communication to market,
matters were rapidly changing. Heretofore a very slovenly
method had been generally pursued for putting in wheat. It
was ploughed in on corn land already exhausted ; the soil at
no time having been broken up more than three inches. Of
course complaints were made that wheat was very much
subject to freezing out in winter, and that the average yield
not being greater than 7} bushels to the acre, would not re-

315

munerate the farmer for bestowing more careful tillage, The
climate was said to be unpropitious, and thus the errors of
men were charged to nature. But there were other farmers
who ploughed deeply, turning the clover crop under, and
harrowing well, who raised from 20 to 30 bushels to the acre.

The old varieties of wheat were not so productive as for-
merly, and the Mediterranean was rapidly becoming popular.
He concurred in remarks just made, that this kind of wheat
ought to be cut before it was out of the dough state. He
had a small lot of three acres cut last year, which ripened
very irregularly, owing to part of the ground having been
manured. Some portions of it was in the milk—very green
—but it was all cut down on the same day. The weather
was very warm and dry, and he apprehended that the green-
est parts would shrink very much; upon examining it howev-
er, it was but preceptably shrunk, and finer bread made out
of it, he never ate; and of it he was a judge, being a Penn-
sylvanian. He had learned from one of the oldest millers in the
county, that the best flour and best turn out ever made at his
mill, was from this kind of wheat, which had been cut when
in the softest dough state.

Through Mr. Bateham, the editor of the Ohio Cultivator,
who had visited the World’s Fair, their Agricultural Society
had procured thirteen new varieties of wheat, grown in all parts
of the world. If wheat, corresponding to the beauty of the
specimens, could be raised here, their introduction will be of
great benefit. One of these was the Australian, referred to
by Mr. Murray, as having been already introduced by the
Patent Office.

Of that Office, he desired to remark, that his thoughts had
been directed towards it, because it had agents throughout
the whole world, by which it could collect every foreign and
domestic grains and seeds and plants, and through its post
office arrangements, distribute them to every part of the
country. The thirteen varieties of wheat, he had referred to had
cost a few of the members of their Society about ten dollars,

316

and he thought that a Government which spent. millions an-
nually. for the maintainance of classes called the protecting
classes of the producing classes, should now devote a few
thousands to a rather more direct method of benefiting these
producing classes.

He coincided in the remarks made of the utility of the
Drill. That of Mr. Gatling had been introduced into Mon-
roe county last fall, and it had there recommended itself for a
reason he had not yet seen stated in its favor. From about
the 20th of August to the 20th of October, no rain had fal-
len. At the end of the first of these months, a field had been
sown in three modes. Part drilled, a portion ploughed in,
and part harrowed in. None came up but that which was
drilled, until after the rain. It alone, of all the wheat sown
at that time, held its way against one of the severest droughts
ever known. The reason is obvious.

The drills are much lower than the ridges, and the wheat
is deposited so deeply below the general surface of the field,
as to be beyond the influence of the drying winds and scorch-
ing suns, but within that of the moisture arising from the sub-
soil. In a county like ours, so constantly subjected to these
fall droughts, this advantage is of incalculable benefit. As to
the time of sowing wheat, the practice of the best. farmers
in Monroe was to sow it when the last plowing was given to
corn, as early as the beginning of July.. The best crops had
followed this early sowing, and he had heard of but one case
in which it was suspected that the wheat had_ been subse-
quently killed on account of having been jointed. But. he
thought it was destroyed by other causes. Those who do
not sow in corn ground were now changing the time of sow-
ing from September to July and August.

Mr. Nelson, of Allen, said that the county from which he
came was third in its production of wheat, but although fa-
vorably situated as to soil and climate, the farmers found it
necessary to plow deeply, and to rotate their crops. Even
with deep plowing, their crops would decrease, if wheat was

317

raised, year after year, on the same ground. Thus one of
their best farmers had informed him, that he raised five suc-
cessive crops of wheat on the same ground with these results.
The first year he plowed deeply and raised a good crop. The’
second year he broke his ground still deeper, and had an in-
creased crop. The third and fourth years he plowed deeper
and deeper, using four horses the last of these years. The
results were increased crops. But the fifth year he plowed
the same depth as on the fourth year, and his crop was a
diminished one—thus showing that without turning’ up new
soil by deeper plowing, the crops would diminish.

The amount sown was about 1} bushels to the acre, which”
was usually sown broad-cast and harrowed in by from three
to four harrowings.

[Mr. Bollman. Some farmers down my way are satisfied
that but one harrowing is necessary, for they say, that the se-
cond harrowing uncovers the wheat that the first harrowing
buried. ]

To this remark there was a general laugh; when Mr. Nel-
son continued. In Allen county, he said, the farmers had
- tried nearly all the kinds of wheat mentioned by Mr. Murray.
They had a new kind called the white Mediterranean. By —
sowing early and having early kinds, the rust is usually’
avoided, but as to the yield, all things being equal, there was
not much difference between them. <A farmer who put in 90
acres, divided them into three fields of thirty acres each.
One he sowed with Red-chaff, another with the White Med-
iterranean, but he had forgotton the kind sown in the third
field. The yield was about alike, averaging 40 bushels to the
acre. This, however, was an unusual yield, and the season was
one of the most favorable. He attributed the success of the
farmers of Allen to deep plowing and thorough harrowing,
which was continued until the ground was thorougnly pul-:
verized. He ‘had no doubt about the drill being the best
instrument to put in wheat. There is much, too, in the kinds

318

of wheat sown, but for reasons already referred to by others,
the red Mediterranean is not sown.

Mr. Cockrum, from Gibson, concluded the discussion. The
early settlers of this State, he said, had too little encourage-
ment for many years to be good farmers, but now things were
rapidly changing. In Gibson county it was formerly thought
that the oak and hickory lands were best for wheat, but now
it is seen that the black, rich, locust land is best. Last year
the yield in some of these lands was as great as 40 bushels
to the acre.

He was of the opinion that a frequent change of seed
would be productive of the most beneficial results. The soil
and climate best adapted to wheat growing, ought to furnish
seed to those portions not so well adapted. The north part
of the State ought to furnish it to the middle and south parts.
He was led to this opinion by his observation of the growth
of various products in that part of Mississsppi where the
cotton first begins to show itself.

If potatoes are sought to be raised there, it can only be
done, by planting the northern potatoe. The first crop from
them is a good one, but the second, from the same potatoes,
is only a half crop, and the third yields potatoes not larger
than marbles. So rapid is this deterioration. Their seed
corn is chosen from our Western corn, and it yields “ the
rent” over their Southern corn. On the other hand, their
cotton seed is brought from the Red river country—further
south, where the climate is more native to the growth of
cotton.

As to the cultivation of wheat, he thought that harrowing
it in the spring after the frost was out of the ground, would be
beneficial. But the error committed consists chiefly in ex-
hausting the soil by long continued corn cropping, and then
by attempting to’ put too much in wheat, especially after an
exhausting crop of oats. Bad ground, with bad cultivation,
cannot produce good crops.

With regard to the time of cutting wheat he thought that if

319

it was not affected by rust, it ought to be left to ripen fully,
but if it has the black rust, it cannot be cut too soon.

Marcu 6, 1852.

On Saturday evening last, the farmers met again in the
State House. Mr. Williams of Knox, took the chair. The
subject for the evening was “Fruit Culture.”

Mr. Nelson had spoken on the subject before the arrival of
the reporter.

Judge Gookins, of Vigo, was speaking of the Strawberry.
He was in favor of growing more fruit, and thinks strawber-
ries are profitable; had raised ten bushels last year on but a
small piece of ground. They are easily cultivated, requiring
but little labor or attention, if care is taken in planting.
They need a hoeing out and top-dressing in the spring. He
plants different varieties, Hovey’s Seedling, &c., planting
alternate rows of staminate and pistillate plants. The crop
is valuable, selling from 10 to 20 cents a quart.

In raising raspberries, Mr. G. had been quite successful
with several varieties, but considered the genuine red Ant-
werp as the only variety worthy of much attention. Prac-
tices fall instead of spring spading, as the latter would injure
the business. Plants in rows or beds, which as well as straw-
berry beds, he changes every three years, and keeps them
clear of weeds. The black Antwerp may also be cultivated
with tolerable profit. Had not paid much attention to the
gooseberry, having a sufficiency of fruit without it.

Mr. G. strongly recommended more attention to fruits and
flowers by farmers on account of the good moral effects
thereof. By thus rendering their homes attractive, children
will not be led away into the vices and follies of neighboring
towns and cities, where there is always a congregation of
both virtues and vices, into the latter of which all are liable
to be drawn. Nor did he regard it as unbecoming or undig-

320):

nified in any man to be pleased. with the culture of flowers,
for it is a simple and pleasurable employment which tends
much to make home attractive.

Mr. G. also gave a learned opinion in regard to the nature
and cause of different kinds of blight, for a report of which
we have not room, further than to say he regarded it as an
epidemic, similar to that of the potatoe rot.

Mr. Nelson remarked in regard to caterpillars, that wher-
ever wild cherry trees grew about farms, these insects were
sure to be also. He therefore dispensed. with these trees.

The dry rot had threatened to prove injurious to his Bald-
win, Rhode Island Greening and Roxbury Russet species of
apples.

Mr. N. was a delegate to the late National Pomological
Convention, where the Ohio fruit appeared superior to any
exhibited. Though Indiana had no specimens there, he
thinks she can produce any equal to that of Ohio, and conse-
quently cannot be surpassed as a fruit raising State. He re-
gards fruit as profitable either for market or as food for stock,
When a resident of New York, had seen valuable lot of hogs
fattened entirely upon apples.

He agreed with Judge G. as to the moral effect of horticul-
ture.. It was a wonder to him why so few engaged in fruit
raising, and were thus deprived of the many comforts they
might possess. Grapes, which it is no trouble to raise any
where and by any person, were seldom found among our
farmers. He had them in abundance, and kept them the sea-
son through in perfection. His advice was to plant none but
the Catawba and Isabella. No foreign grape was worth cul-
tivating ; and from considerable experience and money spent,
he said were he planting 100 vines, 99 of them should be.
Catawba. Mr. N. had been successful with several English
varieties of gooseberries, whose names he knew not. They
did not mildew, though some grew on moist and others upon
high and dry ground. He used chip manure exclusively.

Mr. Gookins said: he never had a full grown caterpillar yet

321

upon his place. Always destroyed them in season. He re-
marked that where the wild cherry grew in groves, caterpil-
lars were not often found on them, but otherwise when
growing alone. He agreed with Mr. N. as to the best kind
of grapes, and gave his mode of cultivation, of eight feet high
trellices with horizontal bars, &c. He prunes in the summer,
leaving three joints beyond the last bearing bud.

Mr. Thomas, from the Wabash, a successful fruit raiser,
gave his plans of culture, one of which was not to plow his
orchard, but keeps the ground loose and moist by putting
chip manure about the trees. With this method the other
gentlemen could not agree.

Much was said of the curculio and its ravages upon differ-
ent fruits, but nothing new elicited.

Gov. Wright remarked that while so many respectable
nurserymen were scattered over the State in whom implicit
confidence could be placed, no farmer should buy trees from
or have those he had grafted by strangers of whom he knows
nothing, and whom he may never see or hear of again. Much
imposition had “been practised in this business, to the great
detriment of our fruit. In regard to the varieties of apples,
he placed the Jenneting first and the Rambo next. Why, said
he, will not people all enjoy the luxury and profit of fruit?
He had known men to sell yearly $400 to $600 worth of
apples, while their neighbors as regularly by their neglect or
indolence, deprived themselves of all fruit or profits from it.
He agreed with Messrs. G. and N. in regard to their estimate
of the value of flowers, and said he, “were | a young man,
I would not visit a young lady a second time whose parlor
or garden I did not find decked with these beauties of God’s
creation.”

Dr. Lewis of Vanderburgh gave his theory of blight, which
differed from that advanced by the other gentlemen. Dr. L.,
since following Downing’s directions for pruning currants,
has been quite successful with that fruit. His peaches never

322

fail either, being upon the banks of the Ohio, and protected
by the fogs.

In plowing orchards, Mr. Nelson says oxen should be used;
or if horses, should be driven in tandem and with short
whipple-trees, in order to preserve the bark of the trees.

The meeting adjourned to the 24th of April, at which time
the fruit subject will be resumed.

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Full text of "Annual report of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture"

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